Stay ConnectedA podcast for artists, aspiring creatives, and art lovers.
Two artists share their thoughts on art, life and everything in between. Join Alice Sheridan and Louise Fletcher for honest, generous, and humorous conversations that will feed your creative soul AND get you thinking.
Copyright: © Louise Fletcher/Alice Sheridan
In this episode, we dive into the joys of using mixed media—a playground for curiosity and creativity. We explore the fun (and challenges) of mixing materials, textures, and techniques, from graphic edges paired with loose lines to playful contrasts of smooth and rough textures. But it’s not all carefree: many artists find themselves relying on external materials, like magazine clippings or vintage photos, which can sometimes raise the question, "Am I enough without this?"
So, when is mixed media a tool for experimentation and trust-building? And when does it become a safe zone, holding us back from bolder artistic leaps?
Mentioned
Instagram Reel: dancing across the finish line: https://www.instagram.com/p/DBMAkx1t5iS/
Saunders Waterford hot press watercolour sketchbook
Find Alice Sheridan at:
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we answer a question from Cherrie, who is curious about the benefits and downsides of teaching. This is something we have both thought about over the years and in this chat we share our perspectives. Our conversation spans both the positives (inspiration, realisations, variety in our days) and the negatives (do we lose out on our creativity because we give time and energy to others?)
If you have ever thought about teaching, either online or in person, we hope this chat helps you consider your options. And if you currently teach, maybe some of what we say will resonate.
Today Louise chats with British artist Annie Tempest about her life and work. Annie is an award-winning cartoonist whose work has appeared in many newspapers and magazines, and has been a staple of Country Life magazine for over 30 years, but she is also a talented sculptor who is now exploring painting. Annie has found real freedom in her art practice, and her enthusiasm is infectious. In this conversation, Annie shares stories of her fascinating life, discusses the challenges of weekly deadlines, and explains the joy of making art just because you love it.
Mentioned
Find Alice Sheridan at:
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Do you love the process of building up layers in your painting? Or perhaps you're wondering why layering is necessary and feeling frustrated with how long your paintings are taking you.
Today we are talking all things layering; from glazing to different substrates. Even if this isn't the way you work, they'll be something her for you as we veer into your role as an artist to orchestrate your painting or to follow your intuition.
Is layering the ultimate way to learn to 'let go'...?
Mentioned
Alice's paintings in 'The Essence' show at The Sanctuary Gallery www.thesanctuarygallery.com
Carol Marine 'Daily Painting' book
Find Alice Sheridan at:
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, Alice and Louise ponder the need for carving out time and space for our creativity. Perhaps it's even broader than that - perhaps it's about the idea of consciously designing your life; about creating an environment in which ideas can grow and flourish, and about making the necessary decisions to create that environment. We hope you enjoy this chat and perhaps it will spark some thoughts about your own priorities.
Mentioned
Find Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week we are having a post-summer catch up on ongoing projects from tractors to tab guns. But beyond the required kit for any creative project, we're talking about striving vs spaciousness, and why having longer term projects which require long term effort are actually beneficial for your health!
Find Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
As Louise prepares to teach her annual online course, she is joined by Californian artist (and former student) Rachel Davis, to discuss the ideas behind the course. The conversation centers on the importance of finding our own creative flow, and also the ways in which we sometimes block ourselves from accessing it. Our conversation touches on common fears and limiting beliefs and also the tricks we play on ourselves to overcome these.
We hope this conversation unlocks something for you, and we also hope you'll join the free Find Your Joy taster course for 8 days of unfettered creative flow! Click HERE to sign up.
Mentioned
Louise Find Your Joy free course
This week, Alice and Louise discuss the process of making art, and ponder the question of control. Do our paintings come from us, or from somewhere else? Why do some paintings come together quickly while others seem to involve real struggle? During the course of our chat we cover the frustration of the messy middle, the idea of conversing with our work, and the constraints of time and other responsibilities on our creative process.
Mentioned
Rachel Davis https://www.racheldavisstudio.com
Rachel's online workshop https://www.racheldavisstudio.com/online-workshop
Find Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Working on a collaborative project can feel a bit daunting - but can also be a joyous creative (and logistical!) challenge that will progress your output and lead to all sorts of opportunities. Today we hear from Claire Hankey and Shilpa Agashe who share the outcomes and learnings from their common love of plants - and a mixing of their different approaches which lead to a new collection of work, and also a rather unique exhibition.
See the collaborative artwork here:
Listen to Claire’s Podcast Where the Art Began
Instagram: @clairehankeyartist
Find more about Shilpa Agashe and see the Reach Out project here:
https://www.shilpaagashe.com/reach-out/
Instagram: @agasheshilpa
Other creative collaborations:
Joan Mitchell - Poem collaboration https://www.joanmitchellfoundation.org/journal/celebrating-national-poetry-month
Basquiat/ Louis Vuitton collaboration
Supplies mentioned:
Find Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
As artists we all stand on the shoulders of giants. Like magpies, we pick up inspiration and ideas as we move through the world. Hopefully we alchemise these ideas into something new and original to us ... but where do we draw the line between inspiration and emulation. When are we turning an idea into something new, versus simply lifting it wholesale. And what happens when someone takes your idea or artwork and markets it as their own?
Find Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week Alice is joined by two UK gallery owners to discuss Open Call exhibitions - from the inside! When artists can sometimes feel submissions are a waste of time, two gallerists share why they choose to use this as part of their offer for artists, and the relationships which build from it.
They let us in on some of the behind the scenes set-up, and what it really takes to organise and run an open call, and what an ideal submission looks like.
We also push them on the tricky topic of costs and pricing - is this just a money-making scheme or after listening do you consider this a good investment. Let us know!
With thanks to Luke Tarpey from
and Joanna Myles from:
www.thesussexcontemporary.co.uk
You can find both guests on Instagram @tarpeygallery and @sussexcontemporary
You can listen to the Artist View episode ... and the situation which kick-started this whole subject back on Episode 256.
Find Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Louise is in colour frustration as she uses paint in a different way out of the studio. And Alice is back from a third away event in as many weeks with some reflections about finding your direction and staying the course.
What does trusting your intuition really feel like? How we debate with logic and recognising what you don't even realise you need yet... when it happens in front of you.
Find Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we're diving into what it means to live a creative life, and what toll it takes emotionally. Is there a way to regulate your emotional state through a large project or body of work? And should you even try? As Louise starts a major new project, we discuss dopamine hits, tears, and the importance of simply being present.
Find Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Are submitting to open calls part of your practice? Maybe you find the rejection hard to handle? Or you're fed up of losing submission fees...
This week's show was prompted by a rather shocking and sad recent scenario involving the Livingstone gallery. If you got caught up in it, you're not alone. But it prompted a discussion about whether we should be more wary about open calls, or if they can be a beneficial element in building your career.
Alice is joined by Abigail Bowen and Jessie Woodward to discuss an artists view ... from getting organised to practising bravery and stepping outside your comfort zone.
We hope that later in the summer we'll hear the view from some gallery owners who organise open calls and why they organise them.
Mentioned
https://www.jessiewoodward.co.uk/
The Rise and Fall of Britpop
Miss me - Lily Allen and Miquita Oliver
Find Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we're talking about the long journey from initial idea to fully fledged reality. So often people give up at the very first hurdle, but we have both learned the value of persistence in our art and our businesses. In this episode, we share what we've learned, including "no you haven't ruined it," and "stop staring at the problem." There is genuine wisdom in this episode, and we hope our hard-earned lessons can help you stay the course in your own art practice.
Mentioned
Anna F. MacDonald (studio organising)
Live Declutter 27 June 2024 HERE
Find Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we’re talking sales - or rather, we’re talking what happens if we take sales out of the equation. Alice has just finished a gallery show while Louise has a pile of finished paintings she hasn’t yet put on her website.
We discuss the role that sales play in our creative process and in our ultimate satisfaction. Is it important to exchange money for paintings? How would it feel to give work away? Or to make work with no intention of ever sharing it? And what impact would these decisions have on our creativity?
Mentioned
Jenny Fermor https://www.jennyfermorart.com/
Sara Breinlinger https://www.sarabreinlinger.com/
Rob and Rylan Grand Tour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcNFdnLtONQ
JM Hall bookThe Clock Stopped Dead
Find Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Louisa Sugden is a photographer, stylist, and content creator with a large social media following and a house renovation that has taken 8 years (and counting). In this episode, Louise talks to Louisa about how she learned to slow down and enjoy life, even while living in semi-chaos, and how she has learned to share honestly on social media and Youtube, without worrying what people think.
Louisa might not be a painter, but we think she's a true artist and we hope you enjoy this inspiring conversation.
Mentioned
Find Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week's episode began with a simple question: do you wash your brushes before finishing for the day? But we soon realised that work practices and studio set-up are a whole topic, so join us as we dive into storage, colour mixing, and the ways in which our spaces evolve as our work changes.
Mentioned
Find Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
In this solo episode, Louise reflects on a key principle of art-making - one that can take your art from good to great. If you want your art to connect with others, who better to learn from that Taylor Swift? Her new album is the most successful of all time, and Louise thinks she knows why. She also thinks we can all learn something from it. So if you want to make art that resonates deeply with other humans, this episode is for you.
Mentioned
The 1975 live at Madison Square Garden
Tortured Poets Department on Spotify
Find Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Matt Hughes (known as the King of Video) joins Alice to bring some ease and encouragement for artists who want to get started on YouTube. We talk about gaining confidence, what equipment you may need and Matt shares how a simple strategy can multiply your presence online.
Recommended software: InShot, CapCut and repurpose.io
Sign up for the Friday workshop Matt offers - at kingofvideo.co.uk
Join Matt and a fabulous panel of speakers at TubeFest in Birmingham on Thursday 23rd May 2024
Find Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@AliceSheridanStudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf1EvUAo_iRJedkrbQNEB_A
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, Louise returns from a two-week residency in Sausalito, California, where she worked in the studio of another artist. This trip provided Louise with a huge creative boost, and in this episode, she shares 5 takeaways that she feels can help anyone do the same - without going anywhere. So if you're feeling a bit stuck, this episode is packed with practical tips to get the creative juices flowing.
Mentioned:
Find Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Jenny Grant is a Mixed Media Artist living in Stockholm, Sweden who has sold artwork, exhibited and run workshops all over the world. Over the years she’s developed an intuitive, unstructured, tactile and yes, messy (but fun!) process that has allowed her to create her unique style..
She’s on a mission to inspire people like you to be brave, to use your inner creativity and to do more of what you love. To learn how to be more creative in life, as well as in your art.
Today we talk about how the benefits of finding your own creative spark can have positive ripple effects in your life. Jenny has an invitation for you to join her in her 4th time hosting a free online Art Retreat…
FREE Art Retreat 3rd - 5th May 2024
“Join us for an amazing creative weekend of intuitive mixed-media creating. We hope you will join and reclaim your creative time!!”
3 Days • 12 Free Video Lessons • 2 Live Sessions
Jenny will be your creative guide over 3 inspiring days, where you’ll rediscover the tools and the courage to be creative again–step-by-step.
Find out more and sign up here
Mentioned:
https://www.jennygrantart.com/
Instagram: @flowbyjenny
Find Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
“The pleasure we derive from journeys is perhaps dependent more on the mindset with which we travel than on the destination we travel to.”
Alain de Botton
This week we're catching up after Alice's trip to Bali with stories of hot hikes, vibrating water beds (?!) and more!
While travel can be fun, the real benefit is how experiences like this can change the way you do things, or what you think of as possible. What can we take back in to our art practice - perhaps to nudge our edges a bit...
You can see some of Alice's travel stories in the saved highlights on her Instagram @alicesheridanstudio
Mentioned:
Empire of Light film Review
Find Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Do you ever find yourself rushing around, filling every moment, and then wondering why your art is disappointing? In today's conversation, we explore the topic of making space and allowing our art to breathe. Sometimes this means letting a single painting rest before working on it again, and sometimes it means taking a complete break to recharge and find new creative energy. For some people this comes easily - for others it can be extremely challenging. If you are one of those people, we hope this conversation is helpful :)
Elegantly Knackered Youtube channel
Find Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
In a week a little squeezed by life admin we take time to explore how we feel about the idea of "keeping up". This often comes up for artists in the guise of keeping up with courses, with their own set projects (100 day project anyone?) or even the criteria we create for ourselves.
But is there a different way to look at what we take on?
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4pJzINL3_k/?igsh=MTZnNmNicjJjZGIxeA%3D%3D
This week we consider where we may be in too much of a hurry and invite you to extend yourself a bit more grace and relaxation. But also to be really honest about priorities, where you are showing up for yourself and what you are prepared to do.
Find Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, Louise welcomes guest artist Sally-Anne Ashley, who has thought very deeply about what it means to build and sustain a creative practice. In this conversation, Louise and Sally-Anne discuss the foundations to intuitive painting; explore the importance of awareness, and dive into the challenges of trusting our own intuition. This is a deeply inspiring conversation that we hope you'll enjoy.
Mentioned:
Sally-Anne Ashley's "Creative Shift" course: https://www.sally-anneashley.com/creative-shift-2024
Sally-Anne's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sallyanneashleyart/?hl=en
Find Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we’re talking titles. Yep, that stage when you think the work is complete - and there’s still the process of coming up with a title for your masterpiece. Does it even matter what we choose? Do they make you more or less likely to buy a painting?
From locations to the disappointment of “untitled” we look back over some of our favourite ways to select relevant titles - and even try to think of the most off-putting title we can. With so many ways to choose, this is the final stage and can be deeply personal; Alice thinks “A painting title is like a free gift”.
Do you agree? What’s your favourite way to pick a title?
Book your ticket to the SoulMade event with Alice Sheridan and Kellee Wynne here:
https://www.soulmadeevents.com/ticket
Mentioned:
Nino Yuniardi https://nino.studio/
Jackie Fehl https://www.jacquifehl.com/
Heather McDowellhttps://heather-mcdowell-art.sumupstore.com/category/florals
Find Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Often a sensitive and uncomfortable topic, but the question of how to price your art is essential to consider - and to confront if you are to avoid getting stuck in the weeds of self-doubt!
In this episode we run through some common pricing strategies artists use and cover the pros and pitfalls of each of them to help you determine prices when you’ve never sold before.
We also cover when it's time to raise your prices and factoring in elements such as gallery commission, work on paper vs 'paintings'.
Our own views on money are huge here. We all know artists who don’t charge enough and pricing too low can cause as many problems as pricing too high for the context or stage you're at. So as well as the "formulas" we offer some suggestions to bring your pricing into alignment in a way you can feel proud of.
Find Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Today we're talking about that tipping point moment when you know things need to change which happens at various stages of the creative path. There are times when we need a little nudge, time to reflect or sometimes even to be given permission to create what we desire OR to strip back and gain some clarity as we craft the next stage of our journey.
We're introducing a very special in-person event, to be held in the UK over 2 days in May 2024, hosted by Alice Sheridan and Kellee Wynne Conrad. You can find out more and add your name to the Priority invite list here:
We talk about why the time is now to gather in person and go beyond online learning and how we've both experienced and welcomes change over the last decade. "You don’t go an event like this for a learning objective. You go for an experience; you go for connection and to re-discover yourself again."
Alice is joined by Kellee Wynne, an entrepreneurial powerhouse who many of you will know from her astonishingly popular True Colors program, Color Crush studio, her book or the Made Remarkable podcast. More recently she has been helping artists how to build a profitable business that lasts with the Build It Remarkable business accelerator.
Find out more about Kellee on her website and get her guide 100 Ways to Build a Creative Business HERE
Find Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
If you want to sell art (or workshops or mentoring), what's the most effective way? You might think of galleries or art fairs or group exhibitions or social media, but in our experience, the answer is none of those. In our experience, the good old email list our most effective sales tool. And yet, many of us struggle to send emails - perhaps we feel we're bothering people or perhaps we don't know what to say. In this episode, we break down our own approaches to email, discuss the role of Substack, and suggest that it might be time to double down on this precious tool.
Mentioned:
Get Louise's weekly Newsletter here: www.louisefletcherart.com/contact
Get Alice's more sporadic newsletter here: alicesheridan.com/newsletter/
Fargo film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ju75Sd4yAZw
Fargo TV series season 5: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZdK87tfv6k
Find Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
As artists, we rarely lack ideas. But how do you nurture those ideas so that they come to full fruition? It's possible to rush that first inkling, so that it never has a chance to reach its full potential. It's also possible to have so many flashes of inspiration that you never find a focus. Both Alice and Louise are feeling the need to make a nurturing space for their current ideas, and both are working on ways to do that. We don't have all the answers - but maybe we have some thoughts that can help you find your own balance.
Find Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
How do you use sketchbooks? Do you make beautiful illustrative drawings or is your book more of a scrapbook? Do you work regularly in sketchbooks or only now and then? And do you prefer loose sheets or actual books? This week we're diving into all this and more. Sketchbooks are a place we return to time and again to regroup, gather ideas, or simply experiment with materials. Neither of us could make our art without periods where retreat into our sketchbooks. Perhaps this conversation will encourage you to do the same :)
Find Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
The art of selling may not feel like it comes easily, but today Sara Dalrymple joins Alice to talk about how artists can see this differently.
We talk about preserving your no. 1 asset, a key non-negotiable you must be prepared for, and more than one reason why artists are perhaps BEST placed for making sales - once you have a few things adjusted and in order!
Having grown her own photography business, Sara founded a specialist sales consultancy, mentoring other creatives selling their products and services online. She has helped hundreds of business owners bring in consistent sales through confident, sleaze-free self-promotion.
Now, Sara is extending her mission to help even more small business owners find consistent sales success, through her book More Sales Please! which is out now and filled with inspiring advice and practical steps.
Find Sara's website including a quiz to discover what's blocking your sales https://saradalrymple.co.uk/moresalesplease
Follow Sara on Instagram at @saleswithsara for lots of tips to increase confidence with selling the sleaze-free way.
Find Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Roll on 2024! It's been a while since we've recorded together and we really enjoyed getting back together for this catch-up chat. Our primary focus this week is the the differing ways we have both begun the new year. Alice eased in to 2024 with a lot of family time, while Louise took an exciting trip to New York ... and yet perhaps we're not so different after all. Our chat reveals that we are approaching this year with a new attitude and a new appreciation for things other than work (although art will still feature prominently of course!).
Perhaps this meandering conversation will help you reflect on your own plans and intentions for this year, and also give you "permission" to do things your own way.
Find Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
As we bounce (?!) back into 2024 after a seasonal break I'm joined by JoMcCarthy for an informal discussion around how we find ourselves using Instagram - or planning to.
This isn't a strategy plan, or top tips for getting the best marketing results, but about how we use the platform, and finding ways to enjoy what it offers.
We dip into phone addiction, habits, what content we like to consume and to create. When social media is viewed by many as a time suck, what should you consider if you are thinking of taking a longer break? Are the alternatives?
Chat with Jo on Instagram @jo_mccarthy_chats
You can hear more from Jo back in episode 137 when we talked about how to know if you’re ready to sell online.
Mentioned:
Henry Miller article: https://www.themarginalian.org/2022/10/07/henry-miller-creativity-friendship/
Find Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
As we head for our Christmas break, we look back on 2023 and ask ‘how did it go?’
For this episode, we pulled out planners and notebooks to look back on what we hoped to achieve and how it all went. This process can be so valuable; the pause is a chance to reflect on your priorities and an opportunity to realign them if need be. It can also be an opportunity to recognise your own achievements, to start thinking about new goals, and perhaps also to notice what you no longer desire.
Mentioned:
Find Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we’re all about inspiring women. Louise reveals a surprising fascination with medieval history, and explains how it led her to reflect on the value of patience, persistence and self-belief even when it seems unwarranted. If one determined woman can beat seemingly insurmountable odds to find a long-dead King, what might we be capable of? How often do we give up on something just before the big breakthrough? Where might childhood trauma be holding us back in later life? And how much selfishness is too much? We explore all this and more in this inspiring episode. Who knows, maybe we have it in us to do great things if we simply believe it’s possible.
Mentioned:
Phillipa Langley book https://www.amazon.co.uk/Princes-Tower-Solving-Historys-Greatest/dp/163936627X
The Lost King https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXxRfhQFuV4
Find Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we answer a question from a new listener who has recently begun to paint. Eric is wondering how to make the leap from copying images to making his own unique work. This question sparked a discussion about the ways in which artists find their own unique path. For us, this has included gathering visual references, noticing (and valuing) our own preferences, trusting our instincts, learning about other artists, and finding ways to learn in-person. For beginners there is always a gap between what we want to create and what we are capable of creating, and this gap can feel frustrating. In this episode, we encourage a different way of looking at the issue because learning to enjoy the process of discovery can become a true and enduring source of joy in your life.
Mentioned:
Curtis Holder portrait artist of the year in NT
https://www.curtisholder.co.uk/
Find Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Let’s talk about events - specifically, getting ready for them. As Alice prepares for Manchester Art Fair, we share our top tips for event prep. When you do you order frames? How can you promote the event in advance? What should you store in your event box? How will you take payments? What kind of shoes should you wear? (!) These are just some of the points we raise this week. An event can be a really fun and rewarding thing to do as long as you prepare well in advance, so we hope this conversation sparks some ideas to make it easier and more fun.
Mentioned:
Sumup card reader here (discount referral link)
http://r.sumup.com/referrals/hc5h7
Jacksons pre-made tray frames (certain sizes) https://www.jacksonsart.com/jackson-s-tray-float-frame-for-canvas
Jacksons bespoke self-assembly frames https://www.jacksonsart.com/en-us/bespoke-frame-builder
Find Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we've been thinking about measuring - specifically about choosing what we measure, and how that can (and should) change over time. The truth is that what gets measured tends to get done - by tracking things, we place our focus on them, and when we place our focus on something, we are more likely to do it. Over the years, we have chosen to focus on studio time, social media results, sales, expenses and much more. But we are now noticing how much our focus has changed as our priorities have shifted.
Perhaps it's wise to continually revisit the things we measure, so that we can ensure we're heading in the direction we want. After all, if we don't set our priorities, life will set them for us.
Mentioned:
Search Engine Podcast, Internet episode
Find Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we revisit episode 228 (an interview with author Christine Coulson) and discuss the key ideas we found inspiring. In the process, it's possible we have defined a framework for creativity - a set of ideas that can ignite new ideas and new ways of working for anyone. If you feel you want to take your work forward in new or different ways, this is the conversation for you. Make sure to have a way of taking notes, because this is a doozy :)
Mentioned:
Picasso documentary https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/p0fjh4zl/picasso-the-beauty-and-the-beast
David Beckham documentary https://www.netflix.com/title/81223488
Find Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with writer Christine Coulson, whose background as a writer for the Metropolitan Museum of Art has inspired her to create a unique book; "One Woman Show" is a novel that uses the structure of museum wall labels to weave together the captivating life story of Kitty.
This is a discussion about using restructions in your work and how you can find the freedom to take liberties when you explore within different constraints. Lots of ideas to take: word shopping and using catalysts in your work. We also talk about patterns of habit, even when it may not the most efficient, and finding the fuel in the enjoyment of your own work.
We hope this encourages you to take risks to explore a more unexpected route, and trust your audience is more than capable of filling the gaps.
And of course, we invite you to go and discover the book for yourself.
"One Woman Show" by Christine Coulson is available now in all good bookshops or online retailers.
Find out more:
https://www.christinecoulson.com/
Find Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Can you design a better painting? This week we answer a listener question about how we use design in our paintings, including the use of line. As we discuss the benefits or constraints of an informed academic approach vs intuition Alice draws on her graphic design background and perhaps the dangers of 'getting it right' too soon. As you look at your own work, what stands out to you? We'll all have our own preferences and ways to draw attention and bring clarity.
And we share some honest truths about procrastination - come on - we all have our perfect guilty waste of time!
Find Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
After a week in which Alice's Facebook account was hacked, we discuss the negative sides to social media, emails and online life in general. Is there a way to build community and market our work without having to constantly guard against people who don't deserve our attention? Whether it is scammers trying to take your money, hackers trying to take your accounts, or trolls trying to take your happiness, it seems the online world is fraught with potential pitfalls. But maybe there are ways to mitigate the effects of all this - after all - they can't upset us unless we let them :)
You can read the poem on this Instagram post
Find Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
In this solo episode, Louise explores the idea of critiques and feedback. When is is valuable to seek critique? What kind of feedback is helpful? And how does this all relate to finding our own authentic, unique way of making art? We'd love to hear your thoughts as we suspect this is different for everyone, but we hope it offers some food for thought and debate.
Find Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
How do you feel about emails? Do you like receiving them? Do you use them effectively to market your artwork? Or do you find the whole idea a giant turn-off? This week we discuss the ins and outs of email marketing, share our own experiences, and even learn a few things along the way. If you find yourself wondering how to sell more art, or struggling to come up with a regular email newsletter, this the episode for you.
Find Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week we're tackling the topic of vulnerability - what does it mean for artists and why does it matter? In this wide-ranging discussion, we touch on the relationship between vulnerability and risk-taking; the importance of connecting with your work and your audience; and the fears that hold us back from showing our true selves. We close with a challenge to you - where can you allow yourself to be just a little bit more brave, just a little bit more open?
Louise's free course is open for a few more days at: https://www.louisefletcherart.com/free-course
Find Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Recently we have both been reevaluating parts of our life - both work and home. Perhaps this has to do with chronological age, but perhaps it also relates to the stages we've reached in our careers. All creatives are inherently driven by the desire to make new things, but success can sometimes lead us to settle into comfortable repetition. Personally, we both feel the need to make changes in order to keep things interesting and this week, we explore where that might lead. If you are feeling the need to step back and reevaluate your art goals, this is the episode for you.
Mentioned
Steve Jobs speech about connecting the dots https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF8uR6Z6KLc
Find Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Eight years ago, Carlene Bronner was told she had only 18 months to live. Luckily, that prognosis was wrong and today she joins Louise to discuss how the illness spurred her into new efforts with her art, and where those efforts led her. Carlene's journey has been remarkable and she now sells her artwork around the world. Our conversation covers the importance of play, the value of coming into alignment with yourself, and the importance of welcoming mistakes. Carlene is a true inspiration, so settle back and enjoy her wisdom.
You can join Louise's free taster course at this link https://www.louisefletcherart.com/free-course
Mentioned
Carlene's website https://www.carlbronnerart.com/
Carlene on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/carl.bronner_art/?hl=en
Jonathan Field TED talk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlSCuXj3wEw
Find Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week's solo episode finds Louise musing on a quote from the writer Cheryl Strayed, who describes how she found her way with her writing. Instead of trying to write an amazing book, she says she simply "surrendered to the idea of my mediocrity" and then started writing anyway. This phrase seems to capture so much of what it means to be an artist. If we stop striving to be better than we currently are, we are free to experiment and play and find our way. In the process, we may create something better than we ever thought possible.
Louise's free Find Your Joy taster course runs from September 1st to September 8th 2023 and you can sign up HERE
Mentioned
Find Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week we were inspired by two different creative documentaries to consider what we might learn from two rather unexpected masters of their craft; from developing a persona to where we look for outside validation. We discuss constructing in the process of creating, the benefit outside influences can bring - and when to say no! There are also practical suggestions about the benefit of keeping a scrapbook (or at least a record or your progress) and the pitfalls of only seeing one side of success.
Mentioned
You can find the Wham documentary on Netflix and the Sinead O'Connor documentary is available in various places: In the UK it is on Sky or Now TV. In the US it is also available on Showtime. It’s also available as a paid one-off in Amazon Prime. You may have to google for listings in your part of the world. It’s called “Nothing Compares.”
Find Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
What do you want from your art life? In this episode, Alice and Louise discuss the trials and joys of navigating through their own art careers. How do you know when it's time to change? And how do you find the courage to make that change, when there is no way of knowing the outcome? In this honest conversation, we emphasise the importance of reflection and self-awareness. If we don't regularly check in with ourselves, we can start to drift, or to be led by the needs and desires of others. Alternatively, we can become so overwhelmed by our many ideas, that we have no idea which path to take, or we can find ourselves pushing towards a goal that doesn't really align for us anymore. We hope this conversation inspires you to check in with yourself, just to make sure you're still heading in a direction that feels good to you.
Mentioned
Will Gompertz "See What You're Missing"
Fifteen-Love https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MykuvVwtXtQ
On the Verge https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7rbMP6lx2k
See Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Debbie Taylor-Kerman is a New York-based artist who paints about the issues that most concern her. This week she joins Louise to discuss her life and her work. Debbie shares her formative experiences as a fish-out-of-water art student and explains how that time resonates in her work even today. Her early feelings of isolation and of never being "good enough" led her to a deep and abiding interest in issues of equality. She believes passionately that everyone is equal, no matter their race or gender or sexual orientation (or any other trait or quality that can be used to discriminate) and she makes art about this core value. Whether she is celebrating love of all kinds, or observing subway riders, or memorialising essential workers, Debbie is constantly exploring what it means to live in a diverse society. We know you'll find this an enlightening, inspiring and thought-provoking conversation.
Mentioned
Debbie's website https://www.debbietaylorkerman.com/
Debbie on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/debbietaylorkermanart/?hl=en
See Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we share our thoughts on Meta's new social media platform Threads. Do you need to join? Do you have time to make the most of it? Is this something to help with your art career/business, or is it just a nice way of meeting new people and having interesting chats? Our conversation touches on introversion vs extroversion, the beauty of a platform with no algorithm, and the likely changes we can expect. If you're up for it, we recommend having a dabble with Threads - you might just find it really suits you :)
Mentioned
The 10% Happier Podcast https://www.tenpercent.com/podcast
The Daily Stoic Podcast https://dailystoic.com/podcast/
See Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
“I think, no, you're not a real artist. I think we can all agree, Alice is not a real artist because she doesn't want to draw villages."
And so it exists... amidst the every day trials of backache, family commitments we still carry around a load of rubbish ideas about what creativity looks like. So, today we are encouraging something different and asking "What does your should-free summer look like?"
It can be so easy to jump to the negative comparison rather than the self celebration and what with all the bossy ads on social media telling you you are doing everything wrong, today we are championing sticking two fingers up to that and honouring your own process, your own life, and your own need to step away at at times (and celebrating where we did just that! )
Mentioned
Lewis Capaldi documentary on Netflix "How I'm Feeling Now"
Modern Love on Amazon Prime (especially Series 1 episode 7 !) https://www.amazon.co.uk/Modern-Love-Season-1/dp/B0875ZRBGB
See Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week Louise is joined by Trayci Tompkins, a south African native who recently uprooted her life and her art practice and moved to the UK. As artists, many of us crave change and yet change can also derail us - especially when we don't take the time to understand and acknowledge just how much we have been affected. Change can leave us completely disconnected from the work we were making, and if we're not careful, we can find ourselves avoiding the studio altogether. In this conversation, we explore the role change often plays in creative blocks, discuss our own experiences of change, and share some of our tips for staying inspired during periods of upheaval.
Mentioned
Trayci Tompkins on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/traycitompkins
Free 30 day trial of Art Tribe https://www.louisefletcherart.com/art-tribe
See Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we’re discussing the benefits and challenges of showing our artwork, whether that is online or in person. Making art is a deeply personal experience but, for many of us, showing our work is also a vital part of the process. We made the work as a way of communicating something, and it's not communication unless someone else sees it. On the flip side, some artists shy away from exhibiting for a variety of reasons. In this conversation, we explore the benefits of showing our work and also the potential upsides of keeping it to ourselves. Our wide-ranging discussion covers artistic growth, purity of expression, vulnerability, and the ever-present fear of rejection. If you regularly exhibit, we hope our discussion offers food for thought, and if you don’t, maybe it will inspire you to have a go :)
Mentioned
Alice's Time to Shine course https://www.soulrocketstudio.com/time-to-shine
See Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Drowning in piles of paper? Find it hard to decide what you still need to keep in your studio...? Today we take a closer look into the psychology of your creative space with Helen Sanderson, author of The Secret Life of Clutter. With a creative background herself, Helen believes in our key strengths; we are resourceful and have a strong desire to gather - because that's often when we are inspired. But when yesterday's things start to impact your creative space in the NOW, that can be detrimental to how your work can develop.
Throw in whole host of unhelpful beliefs about creative identity thriving in a muddle and you have a recipe for clutter taking over. You'll get to hear Helen's thoughts about our homes being a Flight Deck, the links between decisions being made visible and the maturing process which can help you on this journey.
With a complex mix of efficiency and emotions, wanting to be stimulated while also having spaces which serve us, this is something we all approach with a variety of history and different process. You can find lots of resources and take the quiz on Helen's website:
Join the next Getting Clear workshop:
Use code JUICE50 at checkout to save 50% on your place
Do tag us on Instagram and share your thoughts and progress!
Find Helen @ministryofcalm
Mentioned
The Secret Life of Clutter (book) by Helen Sanderson
The Examined Life by Stephen Grosz
See Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Alice and Louise are together for the first time in weeks and their arty catch-up turns into an exploration of the importance of honouring our own creative processes. This includes resting when necessary, but also understanding when you need to take action. When is it worthwhile to push a little, and to test out different ideas before settling on a direction? And how important is it to keep taking steps forward, even though you can't know where they are actually leading? We also cover the confidence that comes with experience - perhaps we no longer need to worry so much about "getting it right" because we've learned it will all work out OK anyway. This is quite a philosophical discussion, but we think it's one worth having.
Mentioned
See Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Well, hello and welcome to this rather different episode where Alice is put on the spot (gently!) by Jo McCarthy who works as a mentor for creatives - and also within Connected Artist Club (it's open now - but we close on 31st May, so don't delay!)
This conversation digs a bit deeper into what it really means to build a creative life... is it always easy? And if not, then why is it so important? ‘How does she do it all’ could actually be the wrong question - why does she do it all
We talk about a focus on relationships, not just transactional and documenting the messy parts of being an artist. Is that where the real work lies? What if it's not comfortable - how do you decide what to share?
And we finish with ideas for what would be on your vision board - and talk about sea-salted chocolate!
Connected Artist Club is open until 31st May 2023
Quick! You can join here now before we close! www.soulrocketstudio.com/may
Mentioned
Find Jo McCarthy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jo_at_firain/
The Big Monthly Planner HERE on Amazon
See Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week Louise is joined by mindset and business coach Georgina Noel. Georgina regularly works with artists who want to take their business (or their life) to the next level and she's here to drop some truth bombs on us! Our conversation centres around our mindset and the limiting beliefs we carry with us. Georgina walks us though some of the most common limiting beliefs she has seen in her artist clients, and also explains just how easy it can be to let some of those things go once we have recognised them.
For her part, Louise shares some of her personal experiences with limiting beliefs and how she has been able to move past them (plus the ones she still finds herself stuck on). The gnarly thing about limiting beliefs is that they are often subconscious. We are not even aware that we hold them OR we do recognise them, but we view them as facts rather than beliefs. Hopefully this episode will challenge you to check in with yourself and understand just where you might be holding yourself back.
Mentioned
Georgina's website: https://www.georginanoel.com/
Georgina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/georginanoeleft/
Inner Work podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/inner-work/id1506024168
Connected Artist Club is open until 31st May 2023 at: www.soulrocketstudio.com/may
See Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Robin's aim is to subvert some of the traditional, outdated aspects of the art world that keep art out of reach for many and to make it more attainable for all. It didn't start out this way. In fact, it started (as for many of us) by taking over the end of a table and choosing just to create. Today Alice is talking with Washington DC artist Robin Davisson, and a member of the Connected Artist Club, about a career shift from science into art. She now has a shop-front store; StudioLab RD where the aim is to be inclusive and part of the community, nurturing connections and bringing people together. Her inventive approach has lead Robin beyond making and selling paintings on her website and in this episode she shares ideas from an Art Lovers Collective, to Art Parties and Salon evenings. How can you subvert what's the expected norm? We talk about making brave moves - and the minutae of getting it all done and figuring it out as you go. You can grab a free copy of the weekly planner template Robin mentions HERE FOR FREE . The Connected Artist Club is open until 31st May 2023. You can join other artists inside the membership and find out more about it here: FIND OUT MORE HERE Mentioned Find out more about Robin on her website where you can find out about Art Parties or sign up for the Art Lovers’ Collective www.robindavissonart.com or follow her on Instagram : @robindavissonart “Your Brain on Art” by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross See Alice Sheridan at: www.alicesheridan.com @alicesheridanstudio Find more about Louise Fletcher: www.louisefletcherart.com @louisefletcher_art Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Have you ever been worked really hard at something and then been told you were lucky to have it? This week, we're diving into the topic of luck - how much of what happens to us is simply good (or bad) fortune, and how much is within our control? Last week, guest artist Faye Bridgwater talked about the importance of being your own champion.
This week we're following up and exploring this idea of making your own luck. Is any successful person there by luck alone? Do "lucky" people get away with never having to work hard? And how much of what we see in others is true and how much is simply our own projection? We also touch on the idea of privilege, and on the importance of being honest about our own choices. We all have things we'd like to change - maybe this episode will help turn envy into action, or help you spot places where you are holding yourself back from creating your own "lucky" situations!
The Connected Artist Club is open during May
Mentioned
Excerpt from copywriter Lewis Dalton Follow on Instagram for some no-nonsense and super helpful writing advice, alongside helping cats and the odd rant!
https://www.instagram.com/lew.dalton/
The Cotswolds https://www.cotswolds.com/
The White Chapel Gallery: Action, Gesture, Paint https://www.whitechapelgallery.org/exhibitions/action-gesture-paint-women-and-global-abstraction-1940-70/
See Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Today we hear from award winning south coast artist Faye Bridgwater. Faye makes bright, uplifting paintings from her home studio, but it hasn't always been this way.... At various steps over the last few years some bold moves have been needed. We talk about growing in to your own space and investing in yourself. While it's up to you to be your own advocate we also discuss how you can work to your own strengths by involving others to support different elements of being an artist. And we discuss a risky move Faye has made in attempt to reach a wider audience on the eve of Brighton's Artist Open Houses.
You can visit in person throughout May, or check the link below to discover a wealth of artists to explore online.
Mentioned
Find Faye's website : https://www.fayebridgwater.com/
and on Instagram @faye_bridgwater
Brighton Artist Open Houses https://aoh.org.uk/
Faye Venue 1 : Understory : https://aoh.org.uk/house/may2023/faye-bridgwater-at-understory/
Faye Venue 2 : https://aoh.org.uk/house/may2023/faye-bridgwater-at-the-ballroom/
More:
Faye's blog about opening your home HERE
Prints from King and McGaw
https://www.kingandmcgaw.com/prints/faye-bridgwater
If you’re thinking of visiting Brighton
https://www.visitbrighton.com/
See Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
If you have ever wondered how to sell more art, this discussion is for you. This week, we dive into the topic of making sales in a discussion that touches on the importance of email marketing, the value of a good social media presence, and the need to reduce friction wherever possible. We both believe in the power of an effective launch, but we also believe that selling is not a one-time thing. The reality is that we are always selling ourselves and our work, and the only question is how well we do it. We share our secrets for ongoing marketing, including understanding our buyers; inviting people into our process; building relationships; and engaging people in conversation. We also discuss the need to constantly evaluate both our work and our sales strategies and agree on the importance of being remarkable.
If you're interested in selling more of your art, we hope our conversation inspires you to take some new actions.
Mentioned
Uncanny podcast https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m0010x7c
Lessons in Chemistry https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lessons-Chemistry-Debut-Bonnie-Garmus/dp/0857528122
Nino Yuniardi https://nino.studio/
See Alice Sheridan at:
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Alice first discovered Denise Gasser as she was sharing the challenges of making art as a mother with young children with her "Art After..." project. There was a refreshing honesty, which also showed up in this reel Denise filmed in her car which meant we finally connected to record this conversation about two ways social media could be impacting the way art is made.... what we see others do as markers of success, and our own need for validation which can lead us away from making our truest work.
But is Social Media the culprit? Or; comparison, insecurity, envy, lack of self worth—these are the culprits. Social media will challenge our resolve in these areas, but ultimately it’s up to us to manage our own experience and create healthy patterns that allow social media to be a tool for our benefit rather than a weapon of self destruction.
While this tool puts more power in the hands of artists to promote ourselves and thrive as artists without relying on the gatekeepers of the fine art world. Are you wielding this power? Or are you crumbling?
Let this conversation re-balance you (and yes there are issues with that word!) so you don’t lose yourself.
Watch the Reel that prompted this conversation: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Co8oHYirqUi/?hl=en
Mentioned:
Denise offers mentor sessions for artists through her website: www.denisegasser.com
Find her on Instagram: @denisegasserart
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown
Art Juice brings you honest, generous, and humorous conversations that will feed your creative soul and get you thinking with artists Alice Sheridan and Louise Fletcher.
See Alice Sheridan at:
www.alicesheridan.com
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we're dealing with two seemingly unrelated topics, but actually they are both linked by a common idea. That link is the idea of looking at things from a different angle. A listener asks why she constantly moves between projects without ever finishing anything, and we suggest some questions to ask and some viewpoint shifts. Meanwhile, British artists Damien Hirst launched a new project which we initially found somewhat laughable, but which morphed into something else when we gave it some thought. We also share our recommendations for an inspiring podcast and a life-giving TV show. We hope this chat inspires you to perhaps look at something in a different way - there is always more than one viewpoint.
Mentioned
The Spin-Off Podcast https://the-spin-off.captivate.fm/
Ted Lasso on Apple TV https://tv.apple.com/gb/show/ted-lasso/umc.cmc.vtoh0mn0xn7t3c643xqonfzy
Ted Lasso trailer on Youtube: https://tv.apple.com/gb/show/ted-lasso/umc.cmc.vtoh0mn0xn7t3c643xqonfzy
See Alice Sheridan at:
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we answer a listener question about what it means to work in a series. What is the difference between a series and a collection? And what is a "body of work"? As we break down the idea of a series, we cover the importance of an initial idea or line of inquiry; the role of parameters; and some of the things that could define a series. As always, we come at this from slightly different angles, but hopefully we can clear up some misconceptions about what it means when an artists says he or she 'works in a series.'
See Alice Sheridan at:
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we tackle the topic of overwhelm. What causes it and how can we get past it? This is our second time talking about this subject, but it is fresh for us this week because Louise has just ridden the 'overwhelm wave.' We discuss how it feels to simply have too much to do and break down the difference between "real" and "perceived" overwhelm. We also discuss our coping strategies when life gets a little too hectic, including the value of outside perspectives; how you can use a brain dump to clear your head; and the questions to help guide you through times when you have a lot on your plate.
Feeling overwhelmed is probably something we've all experienced - we hope this chat helps if you're in that space... maybe with enough sensitivity we can even learn to pre-empt and reduce these times.
Mentioned:
Lucy Wyndham-Read fitness https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCag7XoiJLutjBTsM0tAzUzg
ToDoist tasks app https://todoist.com/home
Our previous episode on this topic: Finding Time for Art and Dealing with Overwhelm [113]
Art Juice brings you honest, generous, and humorous conversations that will feed your creative soul and get you thinking with artists Alice Sheridan and Louise Fletcher.
See Alice Sheridan at:
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
www.louisefletcherart.com
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
We can hardly believe it, but it's 4 years on and 200 episodes in and we're still going strong. This week, we're celebrating our anniversary by doing something a little bit different. We've both chosen questions to ask each other - these span important topics such as "what's your favourite easy dinner recipe?" and "if you could time travel, where would you go?" but also deeper questions such as "what is your greatest strength?" and "what character flaw would you like to change?" We had fun with this episode and we got to know each other a little better. We hope you enjoy it and perhaps you can share your answers to our questions ....
Find Alice Sheridan at:
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week Art Juice reached a milestone - 3 million downloads! This somewhat arbitrary number got us thinking about the whole topic of achievement - about the goals we set and the things we choose to measure. When are goals and numbers a useful way to stay on track and when can they pull us off course? And how do our goals and measurements change over time? Our conversation touches on the various goals we have set over the years and the things we have measured including art sales, social media, Youtube, Pinterest, newsletters, and studio time. We also discuss how our attitude to achievement is changing as our careers develop and what we now consider to be success. We hope this chat inspires you to consider your own direction and maybe to have a think (or rethink) about how you can measure your progress.
See Alice Sheridan at:
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we're discussing what it means to be an artist. Renowned music producer Rick Rubin has written a book in which he argues that the artist is a conduit for creativity comes from source energy. Therefore, he says, the artist’s job is to open themselves up as much as possible to receive whatever wants to come through them. His book is "The Creative Act: A Way of Being" and it really is about life as well as about art. In this episode, we pull out four key ideas and offer our own perspectives - but we should stress that the book really needs to be read in it's entirety. We recommend that you do that and then think about your own reaction to his words.
Here are the quotes we discussed:
Number One
“The goal is not to fit in. If anything it is to amplify the differences, what doesn’t fit, the special characteristics unique to how you see the world.
As soon as a convention is established, the most interesting work would likely be the one that doesn’t follow it. The reason to make art is to innovate, to self-express, to show something new, share what’s inside, and communicate your singular perspective.”
Number Two
"If you have just one seed - a very specific vision you want to carry out - that’s fine. There is no right way. You might consider the possibility however that it could end up being a limitation because you are no longer taking advantage of all that you have in you. Being open to possibility gets you to a place that you want to go that you may not know you wanted to get to.
If you know what you want to do and you do it, that is the work of a craftsman. If you begin with a question and use it to guide an adventure of discovery, that’s the work of an artist. The surprises along the way can expand your work and even the art form itself.”
Number Three
"You may sometimes wonder ‘why am I doing this? What is it for?... in the end those questions are of little importance. There doesn’t need to be a purpose guiding what we choose to make. When examined more closely we might find this grandiose idea useless. It implies we know more than we can know."
Number Four
“Art made by accident has no more or less weight than art created through sweat and struggle. Whether it took months or minutes does not matter. Quality isn’t based on the amount of time invested. So long as what emerges is pleasing to us, the work has fulfilled it’s purpose….. If you like a result, accept it graciously, whether it arrives in a sudden flash or after long bouts of difficult labour.”
Mentioned
Rick Rubin's book is called "The Creative Act: A Way of Being"
Here is the Johnny Cash video Louise mentioned (tissues required) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AHCfZTRGiI
Rick Rubin interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_szemxPcTI
See Alice Sheridan at:
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Today we welcome international author Damian Dibben to the podcast. He joins Alice to discuss his book The Colour Storm; an artistic thriller, set in Renaissance Venice, but the conversation goes further than that. Yes, the book is a great read - bringing to life the artists of the era and a search for a stunning new pigment, so there is a lot about the power of colour itself... but we also talk about the patterns of a creative practice. What role does luck or choice have? Working across different creative platforms (Damian has been an actor, screenwriter and also still works with his hands creatively alongside the writing) and also touching on managing feedback and taking control of your own creative output.
It's always great to get an insight into how different creatives work, and where inspirational ideas come from, so I hope this conversation leaves you intrigued to find out more.
Mentioned
Find the book: The Colour Storm by Damian Dibben is published by Michael Joseph / Penguin and you can buy it at any book retailer where it is now out in paperback, or on Kindle here
See the furniture collection here:www.damiandibbenfurniture.com/
Find Damian's author website here: www.damiandibben.com/
See Alice Sheridan at:
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we're thinking about what comes next. We're both working on new paintings and both facing different issues. Louise veered temporarily off track once she started trying too hard, and Alice is wondering if some things are coming too easily. By definition, the life of an artist is about growth and change, and this week definitely highlights that fact. Is it OK to find things easy, or do you need to step it up at that point? How important are deadlines? How do you get back on track when things go wrong? What is the role of teaching in your artist development? And what does all this have to do with skiing? Tune in to find out :)
Mentioned
Why Women Kill on Amazon Prime
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
@louisefletcher_art
See Alice Sheridan at:
@alicesheridanstudio
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, Louise is joined by Californian artist Bibby Gignilliat for a discussion about starting an art career later in life. Both Bibby and Louise had corporate careers and then founded businesses that had nothing to do with art. In this conversation, they share their experiences of starting an art career as a second act. Both learned extremely valuable lessons that they brought with them into their art careers, but the strategies they employed are available to anyone. All it takes is a willingness to learn, an open mind, and a desire to solve creative problems. We hope this conversation provides some inspiration for anyone thinking about upleveling their art career or boosting their sales.
Mentioned
Bibby website https://www.bibbyart.com/
Bibby on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bibbygart/?hl=en
Bibby's online course https://www.bibbyart.com/online-mixed-media-art-classes
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
@louisefletcher_art
See Alice Sheridan at:
@alicesheridanstudio
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
What would your perfect day look like? Or your week. What would you like to bring into your life?
Today we are asking about your One Direction and how that shows up in the way you make art.
Finding the core thread in your art; the chinese whisper that runs through a painting or making sense of the world…and finding “the edges”. We ask about how this feeds into the visual elements of the work you make. And if universal experiences are also personal, how much emotional context do you need in your work?
Oh, and quite a few funnies which we’ve also shared on our YouTube channels so you can share in all our behind-the-scenes glory!
Mentioned
Helen Perry #Justbloodypostit podcast HERE
Crushed by Margaret Cabourn-Smith https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/crushed-by-margaret-cabourn-smith/id1615555767
The Chase Jarvis Live Show: How to Put your Voice into your Work episode HERE
Self Care Club podcast Sexy Money Mindfulness HERE (and don’t forget the follow-up show!)
See Alice Sheridan at:
@alicesheridanstudio
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we follow on from last week's discussion on Marketing without Social Media and ask 'what if you could market without marketing?" Too often artists see marketing as an intimidating idea - something to be endured rather than enjoyed. In fact, many artists question whether it's even necessary, wondering why they should be enslaved to this or that algorithm.
But what if you didn't have to look at it that way? What if marketing your art was so much easier and simpler than that? Could you simply share what you love to share in a way that feels good for you? And could that be considered marketing? Join us as we dissect the idea of self-promotion and hopefully provide some inspiration and encouragement.
Special Offer for podcast listeners:
Alice's Time to Shine course with saving: Join Time to Shine and SAVE!
Mentioned
David Hockney Book https://www.amazon.co.uk/David-Hockney-40-Years-QUARANTE/dp/383658249X
Faye Bridgewater on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/faye_bridgwater/
See Alice Sheridan at:
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
If you've been frustrated with social media recently, you may have found yourself wondering "Is there another way?" In this episode Alice speaks with guest Astrid Bracke about ways to move your business away from social media... but what instead?
We talk about making space to create in a way you enjoy, using your "content calories" wisely and being playful with alternatives.
Astrid is a mentor for small businesses, supporting them to build a slower, gentler and more profitable business. She's on a mission to change how we feel, think and talk about business, and about kicking the hustle and productivity culture to the curb. Astrid supports small business owners and freelancers through 1:1 mentoring, workshops and her writing. She loves big mugs of strong milky tea, always carries a book and takes care of 120+ houseplants.
Find out more from Astrid:
Grab her series on "How to Move your Business away from Social Media (free 4-week email series) HERE:
https://astridbracke.com/move-your-business-away-from-social-media/
Substack newsletter: https://astridbracke.substack.com/
Should you move your newsletter to Substack? (blog post): https://astridbracke.com/should-you-move-your-newsletter-to-substack/
Mentioned:
Book recommendation: Kate Atkinson’s Shrines of Gaiety
Travel Man series with Richard Ayoade taster!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbB4l8ihK4k&t=7s
Art Juice brings you honest, generous, and humorous conversations that will feed your creative soul and get you thinking with artists Alice Sheridan and Louise Fletcher.
See Alice Sheridan at:
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
How are you doing with getting going again on your creative work? Maybe you didn't take a break over the Christmas period, but at some point you will know the rusty feeling of facing a blank canvas or feeling like you've lost touch with what you wanted to do.
Today we're discussing all the approaches - from a drastic slash and burn (!) to having a good old clear out. At some point you have to make that leap in to the work itself so we explore approaches to regaining contact with your work, mining your own history, energy boosters to be discovered in old sketchbooks - and generally managing the apprehension about beginning a new creative endeavour.
Have fun this week, if you share your new beginnings on Instagram, do tag us and mention this episode .
You may also like:
Post on tidying and clearing your Studio: alicesheridan.com/how-to-kon-mari-your-studio/
How to Create a Mood Board for Your Art alicesheridan.com/how-to-create-a-mood-board-for-your-art/
Mentioned
Cheryl Taves 30 Day Sketchbook challenge course (join anytime): Insight coaching/the-30-day-sketchbook-challenge
Karen Stamper concertina sketchbook course (opens again Feb 2023) https://karenstampercollage.com/workshops/online-concertina-sketchbook-course/
Find Alice and Louise at:
Follow us on Instagram:
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
The new year is always a time for well-meaning advice about how to improve your life. We're not going to add to all that noise because, well, we don't have a clue what's best for you! But we have been doing a lot of thinking about what works for us, and this week we're sharing our thoughts. This means no goal setting advice or "top 10 tips for success" - just a gentle exploration of what it means to grow in a way that feels fun and exciting. Louise is keen to pack more in this year, while Alice is making more space. But we've both decided that intentions are more useful than goals, and we hope this idea inspires you to think about your 2023. What would you like to move towards? What might you leave behind? And do you have an overarching intention that can help guide your plans and decisions?
Mentioned
Happy Valley Season 3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBaaeeETR9o
Shakti mats https://www.shaktimat.co.uk/
Diary of a CEO podcast https://www.youtube.com/@TheDiaryOfACEO
Find Alice and Louise at:
Follow us on Instagram:
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This is our last episode of the year and we thought it would be nice to hear from you. We're answering listener questions and we received calls from all over the world asking questions both fun and serious. In this episode, we play those messages and provide our answers. For example, we discuss developing a process of your own, offer advice to newer artists, and talk about the importance of finding your preferred media. But we also answer more light-hearted questions such as what are our Christmas party games, what would we take to a desert island and which episode has been our most memorable. We have really enjoyed spending some of 2022 with all of you and it was lovely to hear some of your voices - a real Christmas blessing :)
Have a lovely holiday and we will see you next year!
Mentioned:
Find Alice and Louise at:
Follow us on Instagram:
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
In this episode, we're talking art journeys. As part of her Connected Artist Club, Alice has developed a system for understanding ourselves. She breaks the artist's path into four clear stages and today we're looking at these stages and examining the challenges faced during each one. For example, Curious Explorers tend to worry a lot about getting things right and can often feel overwhelmed by all they have to do. For them gentle support can be crucial. Ambitious Artists, on the other hand, might need more practical help and advice as they take things to the next level. We hope this episode has you nodding along as you recognise yourself in some of the descriptions, but we also hope it encourages you to feel reassured that you are on the right track.
Alice's Connected Artist Club is open until Saturday December 10th and you can learn more here: https://www.soulrocketstudio.com/connected-open-22
Mentioned
Leave us a message HERE: https://anchor.fm/art-juice
Mammals: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mammals-Season-1/dp/B0B8T4K6ZY
Find Alice and Louise at:
Follow us on Instagram:
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
We get it... we're all in a hurry! We want more - and we'd like it now please! This week we're talking about patience - something we both sometimes lack. As artists, we often place pressure on ourselves; to make a painting, or a series of paintings. Or we pressure ourselves to build a "successful" art business; or to get in the right galleries; or to win a prize. And yet this pressure is a delusion .... we will never reach the finish line because there will always be something else that we want to achieve.
So how do we get past this? And is a little bit of impatience perhaps necessary? Our discussion leads us to realise that we can be patient when we forget the end result. If we relax and enjoy our own unique process, we will make paintings as a by-product. This may mean we need to slow down a little bit, and stop trying to produce new things all the time, so we can notice what's working for us. Once we understand our own natural pace, we can work with it rather than battling ourselves.
(and if you want an example of our (im)patience, wait until the end!)
We'd love you to leave us a message!
1 minute ONLY... click the link here:
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Look for the +message button - and you get a pop-up with a big red button!
Mentioned
Springsteen on Broadway trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1xDzgob1JI
Springsteen on Broadway on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/80232329
Find Alice and Louise at:
Follow us on Instagram:
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, Louise is joined by abstract painter Sally-Anne Ashley, who helps artists to find and develop their own unique approach to their work. We begin our conversation by asking 'what does it mean to have a process?' and then go on to explore the framework Sally-Anne has created. Although we are both painters, this conversation is relevant for any medium and any style, because it's all about helping you to navigate your own way forward. We both believe that once you understand what you want to say, you can make decisions about individual paintings. From that starting point, you can decide the subject, the colours, the marks, the textures, the materials, the tools and so much more. But we also believe it's important to follow a process that allows for discovery - you may start out with one intention and then go in a completely different direction. I call it following the joy, Sally-Anne calls it following the nudges - but whatever you call it, we both believe that is the key to everything. If you need encouragement to listen to your own desires and trust your own inner wisdom, this episode is for you.
Mentioned
Join the waiting list for Sally-Anne's next course here: https://www.sally-anneashley.com/creative-shift-online-course
Find Sally-Anne's website at: https://www.sally-anneashley.com
Find Alice and Louise at:
Follow us on Instagram:
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
If you have unsold work adding up, then today’s podcast is for you because we are discussing how to hold a studio sale. What work to include, how to decide on discounts, what different types of sale you can consider and why simply creating a coupon code is NOT the best way!
Today Alice is joined by Fee Dickson Reid, a member of the Connected Artist membership and this is an excerpt of a recent call we had within the Club. Fee’s sales have evolved over last 5 years, so if the idea of selling 34 paintings/sketches in 48 hours is tempting, we hope sharing our experience will help you.
This is one to take notes on, and hopefully gives you a taste of just one element you may find in the Connected Artist Club. See below for how to join!
Mentioned
Find Fee's website here: https://www.feedicksonreid.com/
And on Instagram @feedicksonreidartist
Go direct to the waitlist for The Connected Artist Club here: https://www.soulrocketstudio.com/connected-interest
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This is a bit of a catch-up episode. Reality is nibbling as Louise is home again after her retreat time to admin and domestics. Alice is arriving back after a busy art fair and feeling guilty she may have mansplained someone’s work to them among other conversations.
While not every week is a productive or creative studio time, but we all have ideas still bubbling and we talk about how to move from a fantasy version (which may stay in your head) to moving towards making them a reality while they are still hazy.
Mentioned
The Adam Buxton Show https://www.adam-buxton.co.uk/podcasts
Ben Baker Wire Art https://benbakerart.com/
Join the waitlist for Alice's The Connected Artist Club here: https://www.soulrocketstudio.com/connected-interest
Find out about Art Tribe with Louise here: https://www.louisefletcherart.com/art-tribe
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week Alice takes a break and Louise is joined by Rachel Davis for a chat about changes in both our art and our life, the courage required to make those changes, and the effect of gender on how we approach growth. In addition to her art career, Rachel has spent 30 years as a practicing psychologist . Now her pending retirement has thrown up questions about what to do next. Suddenly there is space and the opportunity for choice, and while these things are wonderful opportunities, they can also make us freeze. We share our personal experiences of change and choice and we talk about the idea of taking up space, something that can be particularly challenging for women.
This free flowing discussion perhaps throws up more questions than answers, but we hope it is interesting, thought-provoking, and maybe even a little inspirational.
Mentioned
Find Rachel at https://www.racheldavisstudio.com/
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we're prompting you to pause and think about what you want. So many online courses promise success through tag lines like "Sell more art" or "Build a Six-Figure Art Business," and it's natural to assume that should be the goal for everyone. Of course there is nothing wrong with wanting to earn a good living from our work, but it isn't the only way to go. It's too easy to get sucked into pursuing things that others value without truly understanding if they are important to us. Perhaps you don't want to sell your art... or maybe you want to supplement your income in some other way. Maybe you want a gallery ... or perhaps you just want to sell online.
In this episode, we discuss the importance of admitting our desires to ourselves. If we don't acknowledge and accept them, no-one else will! Alice then shares 5 key questions that can help you get to the root of your own desires and preferences.
Mentioned
Self Care Club podcast: How to Have a Difficult Conversation
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/how-to-have-a-difficult-conversation/id1505703522?i=1000578355383
Gary Vee on choosing what you want: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vB_6brOEEgM
Ken Spooner https://www.cornwallcontemporary.com/exhibition/ken-spooner-exhibition/
Joan Eardley Painting at Tate St Ives https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/eardley-salmon-net-posts-t04133
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Have you ever convinced yourself that being disorganised is an essential part of the creative process - but get constantly frustrated by looking for images or planning projects? "If I'm tidy I'm not a true artist" is one belief Anna Macdonald had. Today Anna and Alice talk about accepting the way you are and how to find the mental space to support your route to becoming the artist you want to be.
We talk about choosing your words carefully, and the curse of being 'busy'. There's a difference between being busy and productive and as a teacher, artist and mum, Anna shares her approach which has allowed her to develop her art and life. We discuss the different ways we use a bullet journal, and also the overwhelm when it comes into organising our digital life.
Find more on Anna's website annafmacdonald.com where you can sign up for a free class this October and find out more about her Artist Laptop course and the Bullet Journal course for artists HERE
Find Anna on Instagram at @annafmacdonaldart
Also Mentioned
Alice and Anna both use Leuchtturm notebooks for bullet journals
@gommie_poem on Instagram
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Are you perfectly confident about yourself and your art? Do you sail through life with no self-criticism? In most cases, the answer to this question is a resounding no. As artists we are all alone - making things that just seemed like a good idea, even though no-one asked us to. There is no roadmap and there are no instructions. So it's natural to be filled with self-doubt. Am I doing this right? Is anyone going to like this? Is this even art? This week, Louise is musing about the importance of self-acceptance. This is more than making ourselves feel good - without self-acceptance, we can't make the work that lives inside us - the unique, compelling, personal work of which we are capable. And if we don't trust ourselves, how can we expect buyers to have faith in us?
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Being an artist is an up and down business. One minute you're making things you love, the next minute everything has turned to rubbish. One month you sell lots of paintings, the next month you can't give them away. So what do you do? How do you navigate this unpredictable career without going mad or giving up? Not sure we have all the answers, but we have learned some lessons over the last few years and we've both become better at rolling with the punches. We hope this conversation serves as a reminder that we all struggle and we can all come out the other side if we just keep going.
Mentioned:
Jenny Fermor https://www.jennyfermorart.com/
Sara Breinlinger https://www.sarabreinlinger.com/
The Sensationalists on iPlayer https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m001cbst/sensationalists-the-bad-girls-and-boys-of-british-art
Crossfire on iPlayer https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m001c9gh/crossfire
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, Louise is joined by best-selling novelist (and good friend) Jonathan Hall, who writes under the name JM Hall. Louise is making a start on a new series of abstract paintings and Jonathan is beginning his third novel. In this conversation, we explore the challenges of starting again, or perhaps it's more a case of building on what went before? After all, Jonathan is writing about the same characters and Louise is bringing in elements of previous work, so are we ever really starting with a blank canvas? As we chat, we uncover many similarities between writing and painting, share our thoughts on imposter syndrome, discuss the value of taking creative detours, and agree on the importance of an underlying message or theme to our work. Sometimes it helps to step back and see our situation in a whole new light and we hope this comparison with writing makes that possible for you.
Mentioned
Find Jonathan on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/jm_hall_writer/
Jonathan's first novel: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09F5N8FR8/
Jonathan's Radio 4 Play 'Trust:' https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000mb2k
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Welcome back! You'll notice it's been a longer break than we anticipated and today we are spilling the beans and talking about making decisions in your art life to suit you ... and why it's OK to want something that is different to the things other people want or expect from you.
This was not the episode we were expecting to record today but we hope it encourages you that there is always a way through to finding the fun AND the freedom in what you do...
Mentioned
Get your free Human Design chart here: https://www.ihdschool.com/get-your-chart
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Recently we've noticed a trend among the artists we know online; there seem to be more and more complaints about social media. Some artists have left Facebook on principle, many are disillusioned with Instagram's shift to bite-sized video content, and most of us haven't even tried Tik Tok. The dissatisfaction runs the gamut - if you have used social media for years, you might be finding it less effective than before. And if you are only just starting online, you might be struggling against the algorithm, and wondering how anyone ever built up a sizeable following. But have we lost our perspective? Social media platforms still allow us to share our art with the world, completely free of charge and surely that has greatly levelled the playing field for contemporary artists? As you may be able to tell, we have more questions than answers, -and we may have done a bit more moaning than usual - but we hope our discussion offers food for thought in an ever-changing world.
This is our last episode for a month, as we'll be taking a short break. Do make sure you are subscribed so you don't miss us when we return.
Mentioned
The Wittering Whitehalls podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-wittering-whitehalls/id1630153508
The Muse https://www.amazon.co.uk/Muse-Jessie-Burton/dp/1447250974/
Night Music https://www.amazon.co.uk/Night-Music-Jojo-Moyes/dp/0340895969/
The Casebook of Victor Frankenstein: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Casebook-Victor-Frankenstein-Peter-Ackroyd/dp/0701182954
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week Louise is joined by American artist Jane Davies for a wide-ranging conversation around the topic of exploration. Jane is a true explorer, always experimenting and seeking new ways to access her creative instincts, resulting in fresh and exciting work that never stands still. In this candid conversation, we discuss the role of intuition and the value of constant experimentation but we also admit to going off track sometimes and getting stuck in conventional ways of thinking or working. This isn't just a philosophical conversation - we also share some of our own ways of getting unstuck, including two different very practical collage exercises. If you are feeling stuck or bored, we hope this lively conversation helps you to shake things up again - after all, what's the worst that could happen!?
Mentioned
Jane Davies website https://www.janedaviesstudios.com/
Jane on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/janedaviesart/
Jane on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/user/jdaviesVT
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Making art is demanding. It's a creative and personal challenge and ultimately deeply personal. Today Alice talks to somatic coach Tamsin Crimmens about recognising ways our bodies show us things may not always be right... anxiety, frustration, procrastinating - all can be signs to listen...
When we're not trying to escape the moment, but BE with it, this is where we build our capacity.
In this episode we talk about how to be more present so that instead of bouncing between different states of stress we can turn towards ourselves more deeply ... that can only be good for any artist!
Mentioned
Follow Tamsin on Instagram @tamsincrimmens
Grab your gifted Creatrix Activation here: https://www.tamsincrimmens.co.uk/freebies
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Does making your own art sometimes feel insignificant in the face of world circumstances? If so, you are not alone. But it's not only the BIG things which can get in the way; what about when "just life" keeps you away?
In this episode we talk about:
• how art can be a beneficial and restorative practice
• recognising your own capacity and making allowances for other life events
• the relationship of our own emotional state and how this relates to the art we make
• and when you run out of steam, what is it that ultimately keeps pulling you back?
Mentioned
Please continue to use the hashtag #artjuicedrawing
Daisy Fawcett https://www.instagram.com/thenorthernpotter/
Paul McCartney at Glastonbury with Dave Grohl https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCZuCgyqLDs
Episode 36 Art2Life podcast
https://www.art2life.com/2022/06/29/becoming-more-alive-brandi-stanely-ep-36/
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we turn our attention to the ancient art of drawing and in particular to the question of what makes a good drawing. We both often incorporate drawn marks into our abstract work, but what about drawing as an art form in itself, or as a preparation for paintings, or even as a meditative process designed to enrich our lives? In this wide-ranging conversation, we discuss what is meant by the word ‘drawing;’ debate the value of blind or instinctual drawing; and share our own approach to the balance between accuracy and personality. We also consider whether drawing matters at all - is it relevant if you only want to paint abstractly? As usual, we come at this from different perspectives and we hope our discussion sparks some thoughts about what you look for, or want to achieve, from drawing. Maybe it will even inspire you to give it a go!
Mentioned
If you'd like to review the 6 steps of the Refresh retreat sessions you can find out more here: https://www.soulrocketstudio.com/refresh
Link to Tracey Emin artist talk: https://www.instagram.com/tv/Ce_mMoKoQZH/
Danny Gregory https://www.dannygregory.com/
Tommy Kane https://www.tommykane.com/blog
Vitamin D: new perspectives in drawing https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vitamin-New-Perspectives-Drawing-Themes/dp/0714845450
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
As we hit the summer solstice, we take a pause to look back on the first half of the year, and ask what we might want for the next six months. This is exactly what summer solstice has always been on our half of the world - a time to slow down and enjoy the sun and just take some time to think about our next evolution. As we discuss this, we consider the realities of personal growth, the inevitability of getting things wrong before we get them right, and the importance of putting ourselves first (something that is particularly hard for many women). This kind of pause is a fabulous way to break routine and challenge our habits. We hope this episode inspires you to spend a day or two simply reflecting on where you have been and where you would like to go.
Mentioned
If you'd like to keep the Refresh Retreat sessions you can find out more here: www.soulrocketstudio.com/refresh
Blog about the summer solstice: https://spiritualgangster.com/blogs/news/summer-solstice-honoring-the-light-within
Glennan Doyle: Untamed https://www.amazon.co.uk/Untamed-Glennon-Doyle/dp/1984801252
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Ever wondered what's next for you as an artist? In this episode Alice talks with artist Christine Evans who shares her own journey of her changing creative life.
We talk about "eating well as an artist and integrating different parts of your life which inspire you. Christine shares how she has faced some challenges, knew when to pause and make her own personal retreat and now uses her inner voice and 'creative director' to continue to follow the unknown path ahead.
Mentioned
Find out about joining Alice's Connected Artist Membership HERE
Follow Christine Evans on Instagram HERE: @christineevans_artist
Sally Hirst artist and workshops HERE
Jo McCarthy mentoring for creatives HERE
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
How often do you stop to consider that's happening in your art? Do you pause between series? Are there certain times of year where you leave your studio completely? This week we're looking at the idea of creative flow and how a pause for reflection can help us move forward. Louise is currently exploring semi abstract portraits and intuitive abstracts, while Alice is sourcing new ideas from still life work. Neither of us are making any of this mean anything - we're not deciding where it will lead - we're just looking for sparks. We also discuss what to do when we have many and varied ideas - when are these distractions and when are they actually something we should follow? If you feel ready for a refresh, check out Alice's free online art retreat which starts on June 10th. https://www.soulrocketstudio.com/refresh
Mentioned
Alice's Refresh art retreat https://www.soulrocketstudio.com/refresh
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week we're talking risk, ambiguity and the great unknown. As Louise prepares to teach her annual course, she has been reflecting on the blocks and fears that so many artists experience. Together, we explore our own comfort with risk - where are we willing to leap into the unknown and where do we perhaps hold back a little? What is the difference between growth mindset and fixed mindset? And where can we perhaps push ourselves to take just a little more risk? During our chat, we discuss whether age plays a role in our inhibitions, explore the idea of dancing with fear, and debate the concept of comfort zones and safety.
Mentioned
Join Louise's free Find Your Joy course here https://www.louisefletchercourses.com/wait-list-fyj-2022
See Alice's latest paintings here. https://alicesheridan.com/duality/
See Louise's latest paintings here. https://www.louisefletcherart.com/private-view-the-layered-landscape
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Welcome to an essential conversation about money with Michelle Walker. This is often the least favourite part of being an artist, but being profitable means being sustainable. How we manage the often-avoided subject and working out your relationship with money is key for your art career growth.
We talk about calming your nervous system so that you can approach your money matters with a clear and positive attitude, thinking of your relationship with money in a rather surprising personal way. Let Michelle introduce you to your inner finance manager so you can get a better grip on charging your worth and understanding your business better. We've all experienced the energy drag which can arise around this topic - and how good we can feel when we can change our approach. Grab a pen - you'll need it!
Take this further and join Michelle on her upcoming Money Mojo challenge which kicks off soon
Join the Money Mojo for Artists Challenge HERE: https://tinyurl.com/moneymojochallenge
Mentioned
Find Michelle at www.michellewalkerart.com
Follow her on Instagram @michellewalkerart
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
As Alice gets back from two energising trips away we talk about where in life we find a balance to create the life we want. If we have ambitions and desires, sometimes we need to find that space and energy to face a stretchy goal. But we also need to make sure what you want is for you.... maybe there's a different way.
It's quite OK to want something, but as life is always shifting it comes down to being honest and finding your personal approach. We ask ourselves where we place limits on our dreams or whether we are led by a feeling of what we have to prove before we can make certain decisions. As creatives we have perhaps an endless capacity for looking out for the new. But in the bigger picture - now what? We have a few questions we ask which may help you, so grab a pen and take some time out with your journal!
Mentioned
Join Louise's free Find Your Joy course here https://www.louisefletchercourses.com/wait-list-fyj-2022
Get the Time to Shine Early Bird rate here: https://www.soulrocketstudio.com/shine
Find out about Alice's Connected Artist membership here: https://alicesheridan.com/artists/
Graham Norton novel 'Holding' https://www.amazon.co.uk/Holding-Graham-Norton/dp/1444792008
Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent Nicholas Cage film https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11291274/
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Today Louise is joined by two guest artists - Trayci Tompkins from South Africa, and Amanda Pickles from North Yorkshire in the UK. Together they discuss the challenging issue of confidence. A few years ago, both Trayci and Amanda took the courageous decision to shift their art in a new direction. Trayci had many years of experience as a best-selling ceramicist and Amanda was a full-time artist with a highly successful business making commissioned paintings, but both felt the pull of something new and took the brave decision to pursue their own artistic paths. In this inspiring conversation, we discuss how this change has impacted both their art and their lives - this is a conversation that will stay with you for some time.
Mentioned
Join Louise's free Find Your Joy course here https://www.louisefletchercourses.com/wait-list-fyj-2022
Find Trayci on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/traycitompkins/?hl=en
Find Amanda on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/amandajpicklesallotmentstudio2/?hl=en
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week we're both preparing for solo exhibitions, something that would have seemed unbelievable to us when we first started out on our art careers. That prompted this informal chat about the lessons we've learned along the way, and some of the hurdles that can keep you stuck. Some are things to avoid - not rushing to make sales, getting addicted to the first sense of success or waiting for approval before you begin. Others include the ability to leave things behind when you're ready to move on, finding supportive people to talk to, remembering that our goals will shift anyway, and learning to rely on your own internal validation. We also reconsider reels and talk exhibition prep, framing, and the misery of celebrity life, so this is one not to miss!
Mentioned
Louise's free course https://www.louisefletchercourses.com/wait-list-fyj-2022
Alice's new work https://alicesheridan.com/duality/
The Reel that's going crazy... (up from 50k to 200k+ views since recording https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cc08aBEI00_/
The Virtual Art Summit 2022 www.virtualartsummit.com/go Alice and Kelly Wynne on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/Cc28JffJDwo/
Ira Glass the Gap https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91FQKciKfHI
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www.alicesheridan.com
www.louisefletcherart.com
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@alicesheridanstudio
@louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week's chat was inspired by a book called Alchemy by Rory Sutherland. The premise of the book is that the best way to solve any problem is to abandon logic and cast aside rationality. We discus the different ways irrational thinking could be applied to life and to art. For example, can we do away with common ways of operating and make our own rules? (Would people prefer prices that are based not on size of painting but on how much the artist like a piece or how much time they spent on it?) This book has prompted Alice to rethink the way her paintings might be available and it has spurred Louise to face up to some pricing blocks. Perhaps our conversation will spark some similar realisations for you.
Mentioned
Alchemy by Rory Sutherland https://www.amazon.co.uk/Alchemy-Surprising-Power-Ideas-Sense/dp/0753556529/
Louise's Find Your Joy taster course https://www.louisefletchercourses.com/wait-list-fyj-2022
Alice's Time To Shine 14 day program https://www.soulrocketstudio.com/shine
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, Alice gets to grips with a DIY job and it sparks a discussion about time - in a world where there is never enough of it, how do we come to terms with this most troublesome aspect of life? In different ways, we have both experienced the downside of trying to do too much, including the fact that this prevents us from enjoying the present moment. If art-making is a journey without a final destination (and surely it is), then what are we rushing towards? Why do we feel this pressure to not fall behind? And how can we reframe our thoughts around time? While we don't have all the answers, perhaps our discussion will spark some ideas for you, particularly around how you can be more mindful about time.
Mentioned
Find out about the Time to Shine course here: https://www.soulrocketstudio.com/shine
Louise's interview on Learning to Paint https://www.learntopaintpodcast.com/podcast/episode48
Even The Rich podcast - Elizabeth Taylor https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-loves-elizabeth-taylor-we-will-have-no-more-marriages/id1500477470?i=1000530109907
Ferne Cotton podcast with Will Young https://podcasts.apple.com/lv/podcast/will-young/id1353058891?i=1000556926241
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
What does it mean to live a creative life? What does it take to achieve your dreams? And is that any different if you write for a living rather than making visual art? This week, Louise is joined by writer Jonathan Hall, whose first novel was recently published to critical and commercial acclaim. But this success was 59 years in the making and Jonathan has experienced his fair share of setbacks along the way. In this episode, we look at the importance of self-belief and the necessity of an unswerving commitment to our creative practice. Our discussion uncovers numerous similarities between the life of a writer and that of a painter, including the fear of a blank page or canvas; the impact of rejection; the need to "paint over" things you really like; and the importance of finding your own unique voice. It's refreshing to approach the topic of creativity from a different perspective and we know you'll enjoy Jonathan's wisdom and humour.
Mentioned
Jonathan's novel "A Spoonful of Murder" https://www.bookdepository.com/Spoonful-Murder-J-M-Hall/9780008509613
Jonathan's BBC series "Trust" https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000mb2k
Jonathan's Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/jm_hall_writer/
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we have a chat and then answer some listener questions, but our whole discussion revolves around a central issue: How do we manage this artist life? How do we make our work? How do we run our businesses? Are we getting it right? (And how does this relate to the choice between broccoli and chocolate?!) This is one of those rambling discussions that we hope makes some sense in hindsight. Listeners add to the conversation by asking about what to do when a painting takes a different turn, and also how to know when a painting is done. In the end, we both think it comes back to understanding that there is no "right" way to do things. What a relief!
Mentioned
"Rich Dad Poor Dad" book https://www.amazon.co.uk/Robert-T-Kiyosaki/e/B001H6GV90
"Drawing and Painting the Landscape" by Philip Tyler https://www.amazon.co.uk/Drawing-Painting-Landscape-course-lessons/dp/1785003240/
Minnow Pond Tarot https://www.youtube.com/c/minnowpond
Georgina Noel's "Inner Work" podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inner-work/id1506024168?uo=4
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Do you feel your art needs to be beautiful? And if so, what do you mean by beauty? We dive into this topic because we are both thinking about this idea as our work morphs and changes. We discuss the role of beauty in art history and how much of the art that we love is NOT beautiful - and yet how we are still drawn to creating beauty in our own work. In the beginning, perhaps, we both aimed for beauty because it was a measure of our skill level - but once we attained those skills, we seem drawn to pushing the boundaries. But how much imperfection can we allow in? How much raw expression is too much? Of course these questions are personal to each one of us, and we hope this discussion helps you think about beauty in your own work.
Mentioned
Drew Steinbrecher on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drewsteinbrecher/?hl=en
Dead Eyes podcast https://headgum.com/dead-eyes
Creative Pep Talk podcast https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/zdqvn-3717c/Creative-Pep-Talk-Podcast
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
As an award winning illustrator, Kate Cosgrove is used to bringing visions to life, but post-pandemic she was feeling in need to spend time with her own creativity. In this conversation from the land's end of the UK, Kate speaks with Alice about artist residencies.
Perhaps this is something you've considered, or even been apprehensive about. In which case this conversation will give you ideas for where to go, an understanding of what to expect. We talk about working on your own and what this could open up for you or re-set your practice. What would you be looking for? Hoping for? Is there even a way you can bring this into your life right now? Check the notes below for where to follow Kate, find out about Brisons Veor or search for other residency opportunities.
Mentioned
Brisons Veor Cornwall artist residencies https://brisonsveor.org.uk/
Find Kate Cosgrove on Instagram @k8cosgrove
Artist Communities Alliance for residency listings https://artistcommunities.org/
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Maybe there are artists who are always inspired, always energised and always making fantastic work... but if there are, we don't know them. This week we're talking about those times when inspiration seems to desert us. These are the times when we either can't face making art, or can't make anything we like. We discuss the frustration that comes with feeling lost, and we break down some of the reasons we might feel that way. This is so important because, if we can understand what drags us down, perhaps we can lift ourselves out of it. As always, we both believe this comes down to individual preferences and work patterns. Some people work best when they turn up every day regardless of how they feel; others need lots of time away from the studio to recharge their batteries. We believe all of us need to learn to accept ourselves just the way we are, and honour our own creative processes, no matter what they are.
Mentioned
Rock til we Drop https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001516f
Medicine exhibition - The Science Museum: https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/see-and-do/medicine-wellcome-galleries
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week we are talking about success and asking what that word means to you? In particular, we distinguish between external and internal yardsticks. External yardsticks are things like sales numbers, Instagram followers, or show acceptances, and we have both seen these measurements halt people in their tracks. These things are, to some extent, out of our control and they also continually shift and change because we will never be satisified. In this episode, we discuss our own experiences with external measures of success and we suggest an alternative approach - setting your own internal benchmarks. These internal measures of success can keep you focused, motivated and excited about your work, allowing you to stay in control of your emotional wellbeing. We'd love to hear what you think about this discussion - and how you measure success.
Mentioned:
Authentic Obsessions Podcast https://www.authenticobsessions.com/
Trayci Tompkins http://www.traycitompkins.co.za/
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Talking about our work can be challenging. You might not know what to say - how to find the words to describe the feelings - or you might feel self-conscious, thinking others don't want to hear or that they may judge you. But, learning to talk about your art can open so many doors - doors to conversations, doors to sales, and doors to new realisations for yourself. Once you can tell the story of your art, others can connect with it in new ways. In this episode, we share our own experiences and offer tips and strategies to help you find the words. So whether you are sharing with friends, exhibiting in a gallery, attending an art fair, or even just writing a social media post, we hope this episode will get you started.
Mentioned
Words & Pictures: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkHrVw-cDmU
Beatles Abbey Road: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiRfv6LFXYE
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week's show was inspired by a listener question about in situ apps. These are apps that allow you to place your artwork into rooms, so that buyers can see how your painting might look in a 'real world' setting. We share our experiences of using several of these apps - and talk about the pros and cons of each - but we also expand the discussion to encompass real-world settings as well as the importance of storytelling and copy in showcasing your work online. Louise proposes that the words you write about your work are just as important as the images you include, and we share some suggestions for how to approach that aspect of marketing. We also answer a fabulous question from Esther who wants to know whether her art needs to match her room decor.
Mentioned
Smartist https://smartist.app/
In Situ https://insituartroom.com/
Canvy online) https://canvy.com/pricing
Alchemy by Rory Sutherland https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Alchemy-Audiobook/1473566800
June Shapter: https://www.instagram.com/juneshapterart/?hl=en
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Well, hello! Today we started a bit pear-shaped (ever felt like you were pretending to be professional?) But this evolved into an interesting discussion around titles for paintings, and following the thread of work.
Both of us are developing work for upcoming exhibitions and we are finding that we have some of the same challenges, including knowing when a painting is ‘enough’ and choosing titles for our work that add a new dimension.
We also answered a listener question about how to approach pricing your artwork - and offered advice that some may find controversial (when did that ever stop us?!)
Mentioned:
Normal Gossip podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/normal-gossip/id1597761181
Pro Camera app https://www.procamera-app.com/en/
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we ask a couple of simple questions" What do you want?" and "what are you willing to do to get it?" This week, we're digging into these questions and sharing real-world examples of the kinds of decisions artists face when growing a business ... should you invest in that new website? Should you start a Youtube channel? Should you give that speech at the local art society?
While neither of us is perfect (by any means!), we have both done some work on our long-term visions, both for our art and our lives. We use this knowledge of our desires to guide decisions about what we are willing to spend, or sacrifice, or work towards. Perhaps you have done the same or perhaps you find yourself torn about these kinds of issues, unsure of the right move. If so, we hope this episode will help you develop your own clear sense of where you're going ... and what you are willing to do to get there.
Mentioned:
Art2Life workshop: https://bit.ly/art2life22artjuice
Will Gompertz "What Are You Looking at: 150 Years of Modern Art" https://www.amazon.co.uk/What-Are-You-Looking-At/dp/B00N3KGPMQ/
Happy Scale App https://happyscale.com/
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Making art isn't always an easy path to take. But it's one we choose because it enriches our life, even when the conditions may never feel perfect. Today's discussion centres on what your art can teach you when you accept the invitation to step forward. We are joined by abstract artist and teacher Nicholas Wilton to discuss how a learning mindset feeds back into your art. As Nick says "the art is just the artefact of the process" and discovering how to stay engaged in the long term will open up how you create and make more opportunities for you to be satisfied with the work you make.
Alice suggests that the frustration of learning can be more easily overcome once you have some key knowledge which builds up your confidence, and ultimately we settle on ways you can feel satisfied, in life and art, by activating the way you think, and optimising how you approach this journey of onward learning.
You can join in with the free Art2Life online workshop HERE.
Mentioned
The Art2Life workshop starts on 14th Feb 2022
Join HERE using the ArtJuice link
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we answered a question from listener Paige, who asked about our experiences with scaling up. Paige wrote: "I am struggling to scale up, especially in my chosen media of collage but I see you work both small and large and I wondered if there was a formula for that."
Spoiler alert: neither of us have a formula, but we do share our own challenges, experiences and tips. Our conversation covers the challenges of space (both in buyers' homes and our own studios); the need to use bigger tools; and the importance of mixing up a lot more paint. We also look at the inherent difficulties of scaling up collage work, and offer a few suggestions of how to handle that transition. In the end, making large work is a new challenge for each of us, and requires us to find our own solutions, but we have both found the process rewarding enough to make it worthwhile.
Mentioned
Sam Lock https://www.samlock.com/
Bibby Gignilliat large scale collage https://www.bibbyart.com/
Paranormal cold case podcast: Battersea poltergeist https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-battersea-poltergeist/id1548946506
Michelle Walker: Paintbrush & Ivories podcast https://michellewalker.com.au/podcast/
Art 2 Life podcast (episode 12) https://www.art2life.com/2022/01/12/the-artists-gift-nicholas-wilton-ep-12/
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
In this episode, we explore limitations. When - and why - is it a good idea to place limits on your work? First, we discuss the benefits of limiting ourselves in some way. That might mean limiting colours or setting rules for a certain body of work; it might mean keeping everything to one size; or it could mean limiting the media we use. But whatever parameters we set, limits can open up our creativity. The we look at the flip side - where might we benefit from challenging our limitations? What do we believe that might not be true? We hope this free-ranging discussion will help you to assess where limitations might fit into your practice.
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
In this episode, we explore the idea of intuitive painting. What does that term even mean? And how does it relate to what we do? Regular listeners will not be surprised to learn that we have different ideas about the importance and role of intuition, but in the end we agree that there is a difference between pure intuitive painting (aka process painting) and painting that relies heavily on intuition. The former is a process without a desired end result while the latter is a delicate balance between thinking and intuiting. In pure intuitive painting, personal growth is the only objective, whereas our work is designed to communicate with others. Perhaps some of us lean more to one side or the other, but all must find the balance that is right for them.
Mentioned
Stewart Cubley's Process Arts https://www.processarts.com/
Sally-Anne Ashley https://www.sally-anneashley.com/
Cheryle Bannon https://cherylebannon.com/what-is-intuitive-art/
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, Louise is joined by brand strategist and web designer Mariana Durst. Mariana specialises in working with artists to develop their brands, create compelling copy and graphics, and build effective websites. Having worked with all kinds of artists she has a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of a strong brand. In this conversation, we discuss what it means to have a brand (and why we all have one even if we don't know it). We also dive into the questions you can ask yourself to identify and refine your own artist brand, and Mariana shares some of the mistakes she sees artists make. If you would like more people to see and/or buy your art, you won't want to miss this episode.
Mentioned
Mariana's website: https://www.deskanddesign.com/ (scroll down for the free branding masterclass)
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
For our last episode of 2021, we decided to look back over the year. We look at what went well, we assess what we learned, and we start to think about what we might like to change next year. We both feel that it's important to take this time out each year and to think about these things before w start making plans for the next year. As the conversation evolves, we cover the importance of looking at the whole year and examining where we are out of balance and also where we might be seeing things with a negative slant. We also discuss the areas of life where we would like to make strides next year. This is an honest conversation that we hope will help you feel less alone and also inspire you to find the lessons in your 2021.
Mentioned
The Beatles Get Back documentary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Auta2lagtw4
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we're answering a listener question from Helen, who asked why we chose to represent ourselves rather than pursue the gallery route. Helen also asked: "can a female artist be self-representing and still find her place in the history books - or is it important to have the testimonial from an established gallery?" When thinking about galleries, we believe that it's important to know (a) where you want to go and (b) where you currently are. We also point out that the art world often catches up and "discovers" artists late in life (or after their death), and we debate whether galleries will continue to play an important role as we move forward. Of course, we also answer Helen's question and explain why we each decided not to market primarily through galleries. There's lots more in this conversation, so don't miss it!
Mentioned
"Painting Abstract Landscapes" by Gareth Edwards https://www.amazon.co.uk/Painting-Abstract-Landscapes-Gareth-Edwards/dp/1785009737/
Soul Smile Event https://www.facebook.com/groups/613090909814919
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
In this episode, Louise meets gallerist Sarah Collier who runs the beautiful Silson Contemporary gallery in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. Sarah explains how and why she started her gallery and offers lots of sound advice to artists seeking gallery representation. The conversation covers how to choose the right galleries, how to approach a gallery owner, how to price your work, and how to present it to best effect. During the conversation, Sarah also shares the ins and outs of running a gallery and discussed some of her role models. This interview is packed with practical tips and inside insights - if you want to interest galleries in your work, listen now!
Mentioned
Silson Contemporary https://silsoncontemporaryart.co.uk/
Cupola Gallery http://www.cupolagallery.com/about
Gallery at Home https://www.galleryathome.co.uk/
Eastwood Fine Art https://www.eastwoodfineart.com/
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
With only 6 weeks until Christmas, we're talking gifts. But we're not focusing on what you can sell - we're interested in what you can ask for. So we spent some time thinking and came up with a suggested Christmas list to help you drop heavy hints this year. Our list includes small surprises such as new paint colours or a special brush, all the way to high-price courses or artworks. But we also suggest some ideas you may not have considered - including ways in which your family and friends could give you the gift of time. Along the way, you'll get a sneak peek into our own Christmases, including Alice's frugal approach to gifts and Louise's tendency to ask for books she ever reads. We hope this episode inspires you to brighten your own Christmas by asking for something that will inspire you - and maybe even jumpstart a new phase of your art.
Mentioned
"Unquiet Landscape," Christopher Never https://www.amazon.co.uk/Unquiet-Landscape-20th-Century-British-Painting/dp/0500295476/
"Why Your Five Year Old Could NOT Have Done That," Susie Hodge https://www.amazon.co.uk/Your-Five-Year-Could-Have/dp/0500290474
Kyle Cease on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLCjITkn87w
https://alicesheridan.com/gift/
https://www.louisefletcherart.com/shop/gift-certificates
Alice's Connected Artist Waiting List https://alicesheridan.com/artists/
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we're talking time, priorities and organisation. But this isn't a "10 quick tips to organise your life" - this is a deep dive into the real truths behind the ways we spend our time. We discuss the importance of knowing your 'why' when you make decisions about your time. We debate the role of identity in those decisions, and we discuss some of the challenges we face in our own art lives. Each of us only have limited bandwidth which means we simply have to make decisions. So, above all, we urge honest self-reflection ... it's so important to understand what we want out of art art lives and where we are straying from that path. If you struggle with time management, you are not alone and we hope this discussion helps you find some clarity about your own priorities.
Mentioned
Kelly Wynne Conrad https://www.kelleewynnestudios.com/
The Dresser with Julian Clary and Matthew Kelly https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2021/sep/16/the-dresser-review-bath-matthew-kelly-julian-clary
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week's discussion was originally planned as a chat about persevering with unfamiliar materials, but it soon broadened into a conversation about change in our work. We discuss the importance of finding ways to shift our work, and the role materials can play in that. We both strive to constantly push our work in new directions, but this can lead to real feelings of discomfort if we are also seeking results in the form of finished paintings. In the end, we both agree that new ideas need time and space in which to grow. If we give up at the first hurdle, we never get to find out what might have been possible. So Alice has decided to persevere and make life difficult sometimes with new materials while Louise will continue to make paintings she doesn't yet understand.
Mentioned
Khadi paper https://www.jacksonsart.com/brands/khadi
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we're talking support systems - what are they? How do we find them? And why do we need them? We have supported one another over the last few years and we have both found the relationship valuable for different reasons. But what are the other ways we have found to support ourselves? In this episode, we talk about the value of online communities and real life relationships, but also the importance of asking for help and support in other parts of our life, so that we can make room for art. We also talk about learning to say no, and asking for support from the wrong people, which can be so destructive. We hope this episode inspires you to look at how you might be able to shore up your art practice by leaning a little bit on other people - even if only now and then.
Mentioned
Alice's Connected Artist Group www.soulrocketstudio.com/connected-interest
Louise's Art Tribe https://www.louisefletcherart.com/art-tribe
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we dive into a successful launch and tease out the lessons we can all learn. Louise recently released her book Life Force which is about the process of making a series of paintings and then she released the actual paintings online. This had always been her plan but along the way, she encountered people who questioned the idea, and suggested that a physical exhibition would be a better idea. Despite temporarily losing focus, she eventually returned to her original vision, a decision which paid off. In this episode, we discuss the importance and value of going your own way with your work, even when (or especially when) you are not sure where it will lead. We also examine how to tune in to inspiration and intuition so that you ARE actually pursuing your own unique direction.
Mentioned
Louise's book "Life Force" at Bird Eye Books https://birdeyebooks.com/products/life-force-a-painters-response-to-the-nature-poetry-of-ted-hughes
See Louise's Ted Hughes paintings online https://www.louisefletcherart.com/shop/life-force
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we discuss the recent outage of Facebook, Instagram and Whats App and share our thoughts on the realisations it brought up. We rely on these apps for all sorts of things - we connect with our friends, we share our art, and some of us run our businesses using at least one of these platforms. When they vanish, we can feel lost. But we believe this outage reminds us that there are other ways to stay in touch and other ways to market our work. And that in fact, we could focus our efforts a little more widely. Neither of us believe that we will have to do without social media, but we can make it a little less central. We end our chat with a challenge to you, so stick with us to the end!
Mentioned
Louise's book from her publishers https://birdeyebooks.com/products/life-force-a-painters-response-to-the-nature-poetry-of-ted-hughes
Louise's book from Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/Life-Force-Painters-Response-Nature/dp/1914079647
George Pointon on Twitter https://twitter.com/GeorgePointon_
Grand Designs https://www.channel4.com/programmes/grand-designs
Location, Location, Location https://www.channel4.com/programmes/location-location-location
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, Alice welcomes special guest Jo McCarthy to the podcast. Jo is a small shop mentor who helps creative professionals build their e-commerce businesses and in this episode, she shares her expertise on how to successfully market your work online. Alice and Jo discuss blocks to selling (and how to overcome them) and also discuss the importance of taking small steps rather than trying to make giant leaps.
Jo suggests reframing the idea of productivity, and viewing your business in terms of capacity rather than time. She also explains why she she uses a 'can do' list rather than a 'to do' list. Perhaps most importantly, Alice and Jo discuss the importance of showing up and starting to sell even thought everything is not yet perfect. If you've been feeling unsure about selling online, this episode should make you feel much more comfortable about just getting out there and "evolving in public."
Mentioned
Find Jo on Instagram at @jo_at_firain
And her website www.firain.com
Seth Godin blog post: https://seths.blog/2016/03/show-your-work/
Alice's Time to Shine course: www.soulrocketstudio.com/shine
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
We've all been there - bursting with ideas and new directions! It's exciting, it feels fun BUT when should you follow these nudges or when should you be disciplined and stick to a plan? Ideas can often shift during work in progress and it can be hard to know what's a natural variation or a misleading distraction.
We have some pointers to help you identify when things can feel too scattered and some ways you can review and bring yourself back on track, whether that's creating a cohesive group of work, when it's good to say no and how safely 'shelving' an idea may not be as risky as it feels.
Mentioned
Find out about Alice's Time to Shine Alice's challenge : www.soulrocketstudio.com/shine
or on her website here: https://alicesheridan.com
Barbara Sher: Refuse to Choose book
Katherine Palmers Needham colour sketchbook post on Instagram here
Instagram @KatherinePalmersNeedham_art
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
How comfortable are you sharing your art? Are you one of those people who shares regular videos or blog posts? Or do you tend to shy away from being public about your work? Alice is preparing to launch an exciting new visibility challenge and that sparked a discussion about the importance of this facet of our art careers. It's simply not enough to just make wonderful art - we also have to put it out into the world and that means putting ourselves out there too. The truth is that people buy art from artists they can connect with and they can't connect with you if they've never seen you. In this episode we discuss some of the blocks to visibility and share our own thoughts on the importance of making ourselves visible.
Mentioned
Find out about Alice's Time to Shine Alice's challenge : www.soulrocketstudio.com/shine
or on her website here: https://alicesheridan.com
This is my House https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m000tjfz/this-is-my-house
The Cleaner https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p09pm3dv/the-cleaner-series-1-1-the-widow
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
How much time should we spend thinking versus painting? Are we wasting time if we simply sit in a chair and look at what we made? And how can we approach analysing our own work? In this episode, we discuss the importance of spending time with our work at various stages - including setting intentions, assessing progress during the making of the work, and reflecting on paintings once they are complete. Time pressures, and a focus on productivity, can make it challenging for some artists to take a pause, but we both agree that it's important to step back and find some distance from our work - whether that is halfway through a painting or once a series is complete. In fact, we think that pause improves our productivity because it allows us to clarify our thoughts and set clear intentions for our next moves.
Mentioned
Talking Heads "Stop Making Sense" on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjBvRURtc-Q
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
We've all experienced it - we're working on a painting we love and then ... oops, we make a few wrong moves and the whole thing feels ruined. Or, as recently happened to Louise, we'e working in a painting late at night, feeling really good about it, and then come back in the next morning to find nothing is as we thought. But is this really a problem? In this episode, we discuss that sinking feeling and offer a different viewpoint. During our conversation, we dig into the stages of a painting, discuss whether we have ever actually ruined anything, rail against the use of gesso to 'just cover it up,' and agree on the importance of intention as a guiding principle. We also share our thoughts on a new art book and digress into a slightly nerdy discussion about Mailchimp.
Mentioned
Remembering in Paint by David Mankin https://www.david-mankin.com/book
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
We have returned from a break - except was it really a break? We both seem to have been almost as busy and this realisation sparked a discussion about time management, priorities, and what we want from our art - including how important it is to make sales. Over the break, Alice has been developing new ideas in a supportive group while Louise has been considering how she wants to share her work. But we've also been reconsidering where we spend our time (we even allow ourselves a little moan). This isn't an episode with "how to" tips or a focused message - it's an honest conversation about the artist life, including throwing paintings on bonfires, managing "to do" lists, paring back our ideas, and finding time for ourselves. There is also a bonus discussion on finding the perfect coffee mug - you're welcome lol.
Mentioned
Courtyard Pottery Grassington https://www.instagram.com/david.ashby.ceramics/?hl=en
Linda Bloomfield mugs https://lindabloomfield.co.uk/product-category/handmade-porcelain/mugs-cups/
John Hall obituary https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/rip-john-hall-perfect-mancunian-21348415
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
As we prepare to take our summer break, we discuss the value of rest and recuperation. While some work requires consistency and regularity, we think making art is different and we both find our work ebbs and flows. Sometimes we are inspired and motivated to paint and other times we take a break and do something else, whether that is a vacation or simply a change of focus. Our conversation also turns to the pressure some of us impose upon ourselves to always be producing, and the benefits of just letting go of the idea of 9-5, 365 days a year. We will be testing out our own theories over the next few weeks as we take a summer break. Hopefully we will come back full of vim and vigour and ready to tackle a new season of the Art Juice podcast. See you then!
Mentioned
How to Paint a Dead Man https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Paint-Dead-Sarah-Hall/dp/0571224903
The Yellow House https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/books/martin-gayford/yellow-house/9780141016733
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
If you have ever wondered "Should I make prints of my art?" this episode will help unpick some of the things to consider.
We're talking reproduction giclée prints (not to be confused with the prints made by printmakers). Alice has built a good revenue stream from prints of her original paintings while Louise has not made the leap and we share our reasons and lessons.
Our conversation covers:
We also discuss the importance of knowing your 'why' for adding prints to the art you offer as this will help direct your decision making... And we have a suggestion for an easier way to dip your toe into the water.
Mentioned
The Yellow House by Martin Gayford
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Yellow-House-Gauguin-Turbulent-Weeks/dp/0141016736/ref=asc_df_0141016736
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Last week's conversation with David Mankin sparked a conversation about process. This week, we're sharing our own processes and discussing our own ideas about, and approaches to, painting. As you might have guessed there are some differences, but we both share a belief in the importance of process in art-making. We think knowing what works for you is a vital piece of the artistic puzzle. In a wide-ranging conversation we cover the role of ideas in our art-making and discuss the assertion that all artists must know what they are exploring in their work. We also discuss whether inspiration comes externally or internally (or both) and the importance of reflection and thought in our work. Finally, we share the questions we are currently asking ourselves in order to move our work forward.
Mentioned
Louise's book Life Force can be pre-ordered at: https://www.louisefletcherart.com/book
In the Heights trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0CL-ZSuCrQ
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
In this episode, Louise chats with Cornish painter David Mankin about his new book Remembering in Paint. The book brings the reader inside Mankin's process, from initial inspiration all the way through to finished paintings, and the idea of the artistic process is central to the book. We begin the conversation with an introduction to David's career and the importance of chance encounters, and then move on to delve into process. David poses a question he believes every artist must answer; describes the importance of his process to his work; explains the balance of thought vs. feeling in his paintings; and shares his passion for the Cornish coast. Finally, we learn why he is currently excited about cauliflowers and smiles. This is a conversation not to be missed with an artist who is most definitely on the rise.
Mentioned
David's book can be pre-ordered on his website at https://www.david-mankin.com/book
You can also find him at https://linktr.ee/davidmankinart
Louise's book Life Force can be pre-ordered at: https://www.louisefletcherart.com/book
All About Process by Kim Grant https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/9780271077451?
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Do you struggle to let paintings go? This week we're answering a question from Gill Allen, who says "Why do I find it so hard to part with my work? I know I need to get over this impending feeling of loss but just how do I do that? Why do I feel like I'm losing part of myself even contemplating selling a piece of work?" We discuss this question from a number of different angles and also share our own experiences. Neither of us has struggled to let work go, but we have sometimes chosen to keep breakthrough paintings for a while. As we discuss Gill's question, we ponder the idea of selling work - maybe some people don't want to do that? We also ask whether there are underlying issues behind a desire to keep everything and we suggest a simple reframe that might be helpful. If you feel your paintings are precious babies to be held on to at all costs, this episode is for you.
Mentioned
Gill Allen: https://gillallen.co.nz/
Arvon Foundation Writers Centers https://www.arvon.org/
Mark Steel's in Hull https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SV8-lktieDs
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week Alice is joined by Emily (or Emz) Finch an artist and mother from London to discuss the power nature, but also how finding a really strong driver in your work can propel your ideas. Trigger warning, we mention miscarriage briefly as this is the start of Emily’s story and project.
The work Emily is doing now was prompted by a particular moment after a difficult series of personal experiences. Emily has found the power of nature to has helped with her PTSD flashbacks and has an ambition to build an installation that will hopefully start conversations about loss during COVID and will offer a multi-sensual space to explore the healing quality of trees and nature and reflect on what we all might have lost during this difficult time at a point the world is starting to emerge from lockdown.
This is an inspiring story - on a personal level, and for artists I hope this will encourage you that sharing what you can have such a positive impact in the world.... look what started from that painted pebble!
Mentioned
Emily’s website: www.emzfinchart.co.uk
If you want to talk to Emily about this project, do get in touch via her website. Do this and hear more about the project by singing up to her newsletter
Tickets for Somerset House - https://www.somersethouse.org.uk/whats-on/london-design-biennale-2021
More about the Forest for change https://forestforchange.globalgoals.org/
If you have been affected by miscarriage, Tommy’s, the miscarriage association are just two of the amazing organisations that can give support.
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week we are talking Teflon bubbles, and how to be completely normal to avoid all criticism!
We had some listener feedback which prompted us to consider how we manage to stay focused, and also feeling less hurt when you receive feedback which could throw you off-track. In the 'old' days we both would have felt this harder - so what's changed?
As artists one of the things we need to learn is how to keep going and not be swayed by opinions. We recognise that some feedback can be helpful and share how we distinguish between them, two opposing views to keep at arms length, and a magic question to keep asking yourself so that you can get more grounded in whatever YOU are showing up and sharing.
It's the last chance to join Louise's Find Your Joy 2021 and if you take one thing from this week - go out and do one bit of promotion for yourself. xx
Mentioned
Last chance to join Louise's Find Your Joy here:
https://www.louisefletcherart.com/find-your-joy
Just Bloody Post it podcast from Helen Perry (look for Episode 4 with Nat Lue)
https://www.helen-perry.co.uk/the-just-bloody-post-it-podcast/
Robert Pagliarini article in the Chicago Tribune
https://www.chicagotribune.com/ct-tribu-pagliarini-stop-pleasing-everyone-column-column.html
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week we're responding to a question from Sara, a listener who recently exhibited a series of paintings. Sara hung 49 paintings in a "gallery wall" style display and she asked "do you think less is more when it comes to displaying your work?" This prompted a great discussion about curation when it comes to our art and why it matters so much. We both believe that curating our work is a way to guide the viewer's experience. Just as we edit a painting, we should also edit our exhibitions or online galleries in order to guide the viewer and help them understand or appreciate the work. But how to do that is the question? What do you include and what do you omit? We discuss the idea of creating a coherent story, the importance of not creating a visual onslaught, and the value of putting yourself into the shoes of buyers in order to understand what they are experiencing when they look at your work. Our key question is 'what do you want people to think or feel when they look at your work?'
Mentioned
Jason Stephenson meditations on Youtube
I Can't Believe it's Not Bhudda Podcast
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
It's kind of magical how one thread of an idea can carry through so many different projects in so many different ways. And for Kellee Wynne Conrad that has been colour (or color!)
With a Virtual Art Summit coming in June 2021 listen how this single focus has lead her through creating courses, memberships and a book deal. Having this focus has helped Kellee through what she calls 'the curse of all artists' and maintain a core vision for what she creates.
We talk about circling back on your own creative journey and how collaborations with other artists can propel you... in fact it was promising to record a lesson for Kellee which was the first (and so far only!) online workshop Alice has created.
The upcoming Virtual Art Summit 2021 will include lessons from both Alice and Louise, and offer you live conversations with all artists taking part as well as lessons you can re-watch anytime you need some colour inspiration so do sign up to take part.
Mentioned
Join the Virtual Art Summit here: www.virtualartsummit.com/go
Get Alice's lesson in the True Colors bundle here: alicesheridan.com/courses
Visit the home of the Color Crush palettes here: www.colorcrushcreative.com/
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Credits:
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we’re discussing Louise’s story with Alice leading the conversation. We track back through Louise’s life and discuss the touchpoints - three key moments when things shifted for her. These include moving back from New York to Yorkshire, meeting Alice and following her instincts, and finding a life coach who helped her move past her limiting beliefs.
We also discuss Louise’s journey into teaching, which came about in a slightly unusual way when the idea for a course came to her almost fully formed. That course is now in its fourth year and we discuss the philosophy behind the life-changing concept that simply following what you love is all you ever need to do.
Mentioned
Louise's free Find Your Joy taster course: https://www.louisefletchercourses.com/wait-list-FYJ-2021
Alice's Connected Artist Club is open now https://soulrocketstudio.com/connected-open
Find out more about Georgina Noel https://www.georginanoel.com/
BBC: The Life and Times of Hans Holbein by Franny Moyle HERE
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Credits:
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Have you ever wondered how we came to be doing what we're doing? If so, the next two episodes are for you. This week, we're diving into Alice's story, in a conversation led by Louise. You'll learn all about Alice's journey from graphic design to a full-time career as an artist, and what exactly that entails. We travel through Alice's past, talk about the role depression played in making her an artist, and explore the idea of intentionality ... how much of what we do is clearly envisaged from the outset versus that which is arrived a gradually and in incremental steps. Finally, we discuss Connected Artist Club, the online membership group that Alice built from fledgling idea into thriving community. If you have ever wondered about how to build a successful art career, this episode is for you.
Mentioned
Alice's Connected Artist Club https://soulrocketstudio.com/connected-interest
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Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Recently, we both launched a series of paintings via our websites, and in this episode, we discuss the experience and what we learned. For both of us, this was a relatively new experience - Alice usually launches her new works at in-person events and Louise has traditionally added paintings to her website on an ad-hoc basis, rather than as a series. Both our launches went well, and we hope our experiences can help you plan something similar. In a wide-ranging conversation, we cover the benefits of building (and communicating regularly with) a mailing list; the importance of storytelling in sales, and the value of thoughtful presentation. We also discuss the downsides of selling this way, including the inevitable fear of failing in public, and the amount of time required for emailing buyers, packaging, and arranging shipping. As an extra bonus, we introduce the word "wally" and "sodding" to listeners outside the UK (you're welcome).
Correction!! I made a mistake (blame menopause brain!) the artist I mentioned is Amy Dury (not Sarah) and you can find her on Instagram @amy_dury
Mentioned Louise's private view page: https://www.louisefletcherart.com/private-view
Alice's Wild Swimming collection 2021 https://alicesheridan.com/wildswimming/
See a previous more complete virtual event listing here: https://alicesheridan.com/artistsathome2020/
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Credits:
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week we're celebrating our one millionth podcast download, something neither of us imagined when we started. And it made us think about expectations ... where do they come from? What effect do they have? And how can we learn to manage them? During the course of the discussion, we unpick the difference between intentions and expectations and discuss whether Shakespeare had it right when he declared that "expectation is the root of all heartache.”
This episode starts with a rather long discussion about technical challenges, which is so on the money - because none of us expect that, when we decide to become an artist, we will spend large amounts of our time solving technology problems. But, it turns out to be a large part of the life of a working artist. As always, that gap (between what we expect and what is reality) can really catch us out. Perhaps the answer is to have no expectations, but neither of us can claim to have attained that level of enlightenment just yet. But maybe being aware of the trap, and catching ourselves when we fall into it, is all we need to do.
Mentioned
Small Pleasures by Clare Chambers https://www.amazon.co.uk/Small-Pleasures-Between-Covers-Book/dp/147461390X/
Alice's Connected Artist Club is opening soon - sign up to be notified here: http://alicesheridan.com/artists/
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"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
We start today's discussion with a quote from artist Chuck Close, who said "inspiration is for amateurs. The rest of us just show up and get to work." This sounds a little confrontational, but the he continues with an explanation: "If you wait around for the clouds to part and a bolt of lightening to strike you in the brain, you are not going to make an awful lot of work. All the best ideas come out of the process; they come out of the work itself.” We both agree that this is the way it works for us - we paint and the ideas come. If we simply waited for an idea, we both think nothing would happen -the bolt of lightening would never strike. But we wonder whether there are some people who really do have to wait for the spark of an idea? Who have to respond to external stimuli rather than stimuli that come from within. This leads us to contemplate how the pandemic has effected our inspiration, both in positive and negative ways. For many artists lockdown took away their source of inspiration but in many cases that resulted in new and creative ideas. Finally, we ask how you can find inspiration when it has gone, and offer some of our own solutions for getting past that stuck feeling.
Mentioned:
Louise course: https://www.louisefletcherart.com/
Gary Peters' manifesto: https://garypeters.info/manifesto
This Naked Mind: https://www.amazon.co.uk/This-Naked-Mind-Annie-Grace/dp/0008293430
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"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Scott Denholm is a rapidly emerging and award winning ocean artist, living on the Sunshine Coast, Australia. It was his love of the natural world and previous work which first inspired his art, and also to find ways of making better choices for less impact on the environment. He has gathered a decade of research into The Artist Guide to Eco Friendly Art.
We asked, and you had questions; lots of them! So listen to the conversation and see what changes you can bring to your practice. Which materials make a greener choice? Does it matter what canvas you choose? What else might you want to consider around packaging and marketing? The book has covered a lot of ground and is a thorough guide with links and suppliers and will save you loads of time. So if this is something you have been meaning to look into this is a great start.
While Alice starts by feeling a little guilty that she could be doing more, every decision can add to the impact (or not) we are making so Scott's advice is just to start with ONE thing... what will be yours?
Mentioned
Buy the book here: https://theartistguide.to/books/artist-guide-to-eco-friendly-art/
(ebook $7US or paperback or buy from Amazon)
Find Scott's art on his website: scottdenholm.com
Find Scott on Instagram @scottdenholm_oceanart
Andy Goldsworthy video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPDH8yCnlk0
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"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
What kind of person are you? What are your personality traits and what are your quirks? This might seem like an odd question for an art podcast, but we both believe that it's a vital one and in this episode, we get into why. For us, the ancient greek aphorism "know thyself" applies perfectly to art-making and may impact our style, our medium and our process. If you love detail and precision, you may prefer slow and deliberative forms of art. If you like to pre-plan, you may be suited to complex printmaking or ceramic techniques. And if you love surprise and lack of control, intuitive abstracts might suit you to a tee. Our choice of media can also be totally related to our personality preferences - want the element of surprise? Maybe inks or watercolours would appeal most. Love to work fast and furious? Quick-drying acrylics might be your forte. And finally, our process and workspace will work best for us if they are aligned with who we are.
Our discussion takes a quick detour into enneagrams, whizzes past the Myers-Briggs test, touches on the role of age, and wends its way through various rather tortured analogies - all in an effort to spark thought and discussion about this most important of topics. Above all, we are asking: where you think your personality is already in your work - and where you think there is room to bring more of yourself into your art.
Mentioned
Shrine of Duty podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/53IJZX2FH4pLtrAZl9yR5m
Obsessed with Line of Duty podcast https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0742833/episodes/downloads
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"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Probably! We all are to some extent... After all, it's not unusual to enjoy it when other people like our work. However there are times it can become a problem and block you from moving forward.
We discuss times when we have been guilty of making work with too much consideration for what other people may think of it and have some ideas about how to spot when this may be having a detrimental impact on your own work. It's a fine line sometimes between caring too much and thinking "f*ck it" with pure abandon, so perhaps it's about honing your own personal criteria. After all - YOU are the artist.
Hopefully this conversation will help if you are ready to release yourself from other people's ideas and get closer to your own vision. Louise shares where this has also shown up recently in her book project and Alice shares the thrill of seeing other people's wins in her Connected Artist Club membership - not surprisingly usually when people have taken that brave step to try something which feels adventurous and personal.
Mentioned
Alice's video on Youtube: Starting a New Series
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"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, Louise is joined by special guest Lewis Noble. Lewis is a UK-based contemporary landscape painter with a unique style and a well-established reputation. He exhibits widely and has been teaching workshops for over 15 years. In this episode, we discuss his approach to abstracting from reality, a unique process that involves a combination of plein air painting and studio work. Our wide-ranging discussion covers issues such as getting away from the horizon line, the role of collage, and how to know when a painting is done. Lewis also shares his experience of turning in-person teaching into an online learning experience and the discoveries he has made along the way.
Mentioned
Lewis's website: https://www.lewisnoble.co.uk/
Lewis's online workshop: https://www.lewisnoble.co.uk/online-workshops
Lewis on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2ojuGFqdy4DO8Tf7tsVBfA
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"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we're discussing the challenges of finding time to make our art when we all have so much else going on. Many of us balance family, work and art-making and then somewhere in there, we also need to find time to market the work and manage the admin side of things. This means posting on social media, managing a website, keeping inventory, dealing with galleries, communicating with buyers, packing and shipping, doing our accounts .... the list goes on and, truthfully, it can be a challenge. Neither of us claim to have this all worked out, but we have found some ways to make things a little easier on ourselves. These solutions include creating good systems, asking for help, making clear choices, and being careful not to bite off more than you can reasonably chew (something we both find easier to say than to do!)
Mentioned:
Laura Horne Art podcast https://www.laurahornart.com/thepodcast
Unforgotten https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mLwTNqJLRw
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"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we're diving into the world of Instagram. This is perhaps the most popular social media platform for artists, but it can feel overwhelming, confusing or just downright frustrating. What are the right hashtags? Why do some posts do better than others? How can you increase your following? Do your clothes have to match your paintings? And what on earth is a reel? In this wide-ranging discussion, we share our own strategies for success on Instagram and explain how we have built up a following over time. Our tips include taking things slowly, considering your grid, having conversations, and only using extra features such as stories, reels and IGTV if they really appeal to you. We also discuss the dreaded algorithm and explain the simple secret to making it work for you. This might not be the definitive guide to Instagram - we'd need more time for that! - but we hope it sparks some ideas, eliminates some fears, or inspires you to get more active on the platform. Instagram really can be fun!
Mentioned
Heavyweight podcast: https://gimletmedia.com/shows/heavyweight
Bibby G: www.bibbyart.com
Word Hippo https://www.wordhippo.com/
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"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
We recorded this episode in response to a listener question about the ways in which we both use sketchbooks. The ensuing discussion demonstrated how different we are in this regard. Louise uses many of her sketchbooks as judgement-free playgrounds, places in which to relax and explore while Alice does this kind of work on loose sheets of paper and keeps her sketchbook for a more thoughtful development of ideas. We both also have a practice of journalling about our art, although again in slightly different ways. During today's chat, we also share how we've worked in the past, debate our favourite sketchbooks, and share the different ways that our sketchbook work feeds into our finished paintings. As always, we agree that sketchbooks are intensely personal - there is no right or wrong - and we hope our ideas help to make sense of your own feelings about your sketchbooks (or lack thereof!)
Mentioned:
Seawhite sketchbooks (regular): https://www.amazon.co.uk/SEAWHITE-Hardback-Artists-Sketchbook-195X195/dp/B0067JPQR0
Seawhite concertina: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seawhite-A5-Concertina-Sketchbook-Case/dp/B00BUPIPMO
Moleskine sketchbooks: https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=moleskin+art+sketchbook&adgrpid=54075308395
Stillman & Birn books: https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=Stillman+%26+Birn&ref=bl_dp_s_web_3818381031
Hannemuehle sketchbooks: https://www.hahnemuehle.com/en/artist-papers/sketch-drawing/sketch-books.html
Handbook sketchbooks: https://www.jacksonsart.com/brands/hand-book-journal-company
Robert Motherwell Storming the Citadel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9V1ccTOBoQ
Artholes Podcast: https://artholespodcast.com/
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"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week's main topic was inspired by some recent events within online art communities. These included an anonymous letter intended to hurt and intimidate one artist, an ill-informed discussion of Cy Twombley's work, and an angry email that turned out to be the result of a mistake. We discuss how our attitudes shape our experience of the world. It is true that our assumptions often determine not only the outcome of any situation, but how we feel on a day-to-day basis. Neither of us is perfect (no really!!) but we share how we look at challenging situations and some of the ways we turn things around in our minds.
We also answer a listener question about the amount of work we produce - do we just have lots of ideas or is it something about our process that allows us to produce so many paintings in a year? This leads to a discussion about the value of working in series, and the extent to which one idea can feed many paintings.
Mentioned
Jon Clayton's website (look under books)
Joan Mitchell book
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"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we are joined by representational painter Gabriel Lipper who has been painting professionally for over 20 years and teaching for more than 15 years. In this conversation, we discuss Gabe's transition from classical figurative work to a much looser style that brings in elements of abstraction and he shares his reasoning for making this move. During our chat, we learn about Gabe's passion for daily drawing an, his desire to portray the beauty of our world, and his commitment to sharing more of himself in his work. (We also discover that Alice has an aversion to the word "sketch!") Gabe is about to teach his "Learning to See" course, which ran for the first time last year, and we discuss both the course content and his experience of teaching it. Finally, we share two inspirational artists for you to check out.
Mentioned:
Get access to the Learning to See free workshop classes HERE
Perfect for exploring that hybrid between realism and abstraction
Learning to See course is now open (end Feb 2021)
Gabe would love you to watch the free classes first which you can do on the link above.
Find out more about joining the full program HERE
Raimonds Staprans: Full Spectrum (out of print)
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"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we're digging into the subject of abstract and non-objective art. We consider the different types of abstraction, from its beginnings with Hilda F. Klimt through the abstract expressionists and their focus on emotion, all the way to the more conceptual modern day abstraction. We also consider where to draw the line between art and simply making marks, and we share our own experiences with abstraction. Finally, we offer suggestions for those artists interested in abstraction, but unsure how to go about it, including the importance of identifying your 'why.' We explain why having an idea behind the work will sustain you when things get challenging and how it helps you make decisions, strengthens your desire to keep working, and protects you against ill-informed criticism. This feels like a topic we need to come back to again and again, because there is so much to discuss. But we hope this first conversation sparks some ideas or spurs a discussion.
Mentioned:
Join the free Art2Life workshop HERE. (started February 15th but you can still join)
Vitamin D:New Perspectives in Drawing: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vitamin-New-Perspectives-Drawing-Themes/dp/0714845450
Ways of Drawing: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ways-Drawing-Royal-School/dp/0500021902/
Anna Sigmond Gudmundsdottir https://www.gudmundsdottir.com/
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"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week saw us both experiencing self-doubt brought on by limiting beliefs. This inspired us to create a list of the most common beliefs that we feel hold artists back. This is so important, because these beliefs are often unspoken and we might even experience them, not as beliefs but as facts of life. When this happens, we don't even realise there is anything we can do about them. By bringing them out into the light and questioning them, we can often gather the courage to move forward despite our fears or doubts. So, join us as we discuss these pesky beliefs and share our thoughts on how to manage them.
Mentioned:
Join the free Art2Life workshop HERE. Starts February 15th
Find our websites: www.alicesheridan.comwww.louisefletcherart.com
Follow us on Instagram:@alicesheridanstudio @louisefletcher_art
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week our special guest is Californian artist and Art2Life founder Nicholas Wilton. Nick has been helping artists to raise their game for many years and he has been a pivotal figure in both our careers. In this conversation, we discuss what it takes to elevate your work, whether talent has anything to do with success, and the magic that can happen when you start to make unique and personal work. The conversation goes deeper when Nick reveals the personal issues that made him finally commit to his art, and he also shares the vulnerabilities that come with greater success. Finally, Nick explains why teaching is so important to him and his art practice. This is a conversation you won't want to miss - and be sure to sign up for the free workshop he is teaching later this month. This once a year event has the power to transform your life (as we know all too well!)
Mentioned:
Join the free Art2Life workshop HERE. Starts February 15th
Find our websites:
www.alicesheridan.com
www.louisefletcherart.com
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@louisefletcher_art
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Have you found your creative well has run dry of inspiration? Especially recently? This week we have two projects to share with you which will help inspire and re-invigorate your art.
The 100-day project was started by the designer Michael Beirut and has since become an annual free global art project for creatives. Just pick an action, do it consistently for 100 days and share it. Today we meet Lindsay Thomson who has been involved in co-ordinating the project since 2017
We talk through some tips on how to pick your project - maybe choosing one of the three key areas projects often cover: play, practice or produce. We also discuss how specific to make it, how figuring out your motivation can really help, what your starting point might be, and how to find time.
The project kicks off on 31st Jan and runs until May 10th.
What to do now:
1. There are some great FAQs and tips on the website page where you can also sign up for the newsletter. http://the100dayproject.org
2. Go to @dothe100dayproject account on Instagram to share one of their recent posts to announce your commitment :-) Look in the Stories for a Q&A session done earlier this month
3. Think of your project and share using #the100dayproject and your own personal invented hashtag
Artist, psychologist and creativity coach Rachel Davis, who some of you may know from her AJ visits, will be offering free support, accountability, inspiration and humour through her IG account @racheldavisart.bayarea as she embarks on her third #100 day project. Rachel knows this terrain really well and is ready to help you stay on the creative track, even when self doubt, boredom and frustration show up, as they inevitably will. Follow #100daysupportwithrachel to keep up with what she’s offering and so she can comment on your journey.
Mentioned:
Don't forget to join the free Art2Life workshop HERE which starts on 15th February. These online lessons are a great guide for you to learn a new approach to making personal, powerful and authentic art. If you follow and learn from these we are happy!
Follow and find Lindsay @lindsayjeanthomson
“Does this sound like fun? I'm not sure. But some years, up to two dozen students start the assignment. And some years, more than half drop out before the end. Everyone starts with high hopes. But things get repetitive by day ten. By day twenty, no matter what you've decided to do, it feels like you've been doing it forever. And bridging the end-of-year break is always a big challenge. But the students who get past day thirty or forty tend to get in a groove that will take them through to the end. Here's a sampling of what's been done through the years, including some of my favorites.
Read about the original Michael Beirut project here: https://designobserver.com/feature/five-years-of-100-days/24678
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www.louisefletcherart.com
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"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we answer a listener question from Maxine, who asked about the best ways to sell art online. This is a huge topic and perhaps a little ambitious for a one-hour episode, but we decided to give it our best shot! In a wide-ranging discussion, we discuss the importance of a website and email list as a "home base" for your marketing, so that no matter where people find you, they can sign up to stay in touch. But we also cover other options and ways to get started if you don't yet have a website, including social media, licensing opportunities and third party websites such as Saatchi Art. And we stress that even when you do have a website, it's not enough to just set it up and then wait for people to arrive. You will always need to drive traffic to your site and finding ways to do this is an important element of your marketing strategy.
Mentioned
Louise's Art Tribe membership group is currently accepting new members. Join for a free trial month at: https://thispaintinglife.mykajabi.com/art-tribe
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Alice @alicesheridanstudio
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Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
As working artists, we have both used social media to build an audience and make sales. In this episode, we discuss how we approached social media when we first started, what we learned along the way, and how it plays into our marketing strategies today. This is an honest and open discussion that includes what we didn't understand, what we got wrong, and where we still need to improve. But having built solid and loyal followings on platforms such as Instagram, Youtube and Facebook, we both have sound advice about different ways to leverage these free resources to build your art career.
Building a following on social media is a slow process, but the results speak for themselves. These platforms certainly have their downsides, but artists have never been able to take such strong control of their own marketing or been able to reach so many people free of charge. We hope you find our conversation thought-provoking and perhaps inspirational.
Mentioned:
Sketchbook Project: https://www.sketchbookproject.com/
Patrick Gale book 'Take Nothing With You': https://www.amazon.co.uk/Take-Nothing-with-You/dp/B07C2V4F5N/
Link to episode 59: https://anchor.fm/dashboard/episode/eb63c0
Mini Seawhite concertina sketchbook: https://www.cassart.co.uk/drawing/paper-3/sketchbooks/seawhite-concertina-sketchbook-70-pages-140gsm.htm
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Alice @alicesheridanstudio
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Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
As we look ahead we ask if the creative space you have suits the artist you want to become and look at some ideas to help you grow.
This week we're discussing the pros and cons of our different studio set-ups. Louise has a studio in her garden while Alice recently took the leap and rented a large studio away from her home. As our discussion reveals, there are pros and cons to both arrangements. For example, home studios are ultra-convenient and allow for quick pop-ins, while studios away from home can give much more space and also more privacy. We also share some tips for maximising the space you do have and suggest that sometimes there are options we haven't allowed ourselves to consider.
As you think about your plans for your space, Alice recommends thinking a few years ahead - what kind of artist do you want to be and what kind of space will that artist need? In this episode, we also catch up with what's been happening over the holiday, and share where we are with our planning. Finally, we would like to wish all of you the happiest and most creative of new years and to thank you for your ongoing support. We couldn't do it without you!
Mentioned:
If you are clearing your existing working space, this post gives you some key pointers to help:How to kon mari your studio
Charlie Brooker's Death to 2020
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Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
As we develop our plans for the coming year, we dive into a discussion about our goals. This episode was recorded two weeks in advance, so it’s early in our planning process, but we already have some ideas forming. Our discussion includes how we each use Trello as an organisation tool; the value of clear mission statements; and the role of limiting beliefs (how much do we shape what’s possible through our beliefs about what is impossible?). Alice also shares her new system for checking whether commitments overlap, and we discuss the need to balance teaching with time spent developing our own work. Above all, we stress that this has to be personal for you and not based on what anyone else thinks. And finally to close the episode - and the year - Louise reflects on what she wants for her work, Alice stresses the importance of flexible goal-setting and we both wish you a very happy, creative and productive new year.
Mentioned:
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Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
For our 100th episode, we are delighted to welcome Seth Godin to the podcast. Seth is a bestselling author and all-round amazing guy and his new book "The Practice" is subtitled "shipping creative work." With this book, Seth is on a mission to inspire everyone to make a powerful commitment to themselves and their art. In this lively conversation, he explains why the world doesn't need any more paintings (and what it actually needs instead); challenges us all to be artists not painters, explains why he never reads his reviews, and shares his thoughts on balancing art and commerce. We also discuss the importance of knowing your audience, and why picking that audience determines the course of your art career. As you will hear, Seth is a genuine art lover and has lots of interesting stories to tell. Grab a notebook and prepare to be inspired!
Mentioned
The Practice by Seth Godin https://www.amazon.co.uk/Practice-Seth-Godin/dp/0241470048/
Seth's Blog https://seths.blog/
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Alice @alicesheridanstudio
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Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Last year we ran a special event called Your Best Art Year Ever, in which we led 3,500 people through a planning process to ensure that 2020 would indeed be their best year ever. Of course then Covid came along and threw everything up in the air. Nevertheless, life continued and this week, we’re looking back on our plans to see where they went well, where we had to change course, and whether we learned anything that we can take into 2021. Our conversation spans dreaming big dreams, setting clear goals, understanding your motivation, and the need for flexibility when things change. We also answer a listener question from Jennifer, who is struggling with how to stay authentic in her work.
Mentioned
The Practice by Seth Godin https://www.amazon.co.uk/Practice-Seth-Godin/dp/0241470048
Buy the Purely Abstract artist lesson bundle HERE
Find the full Artist bundle including Alice's lesson HERE
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Alice @alicesheridanstudio
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"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we feature our third positive lockdown story - this time, our guest is American artist Rachel Davis, who transformed her attitude and her art business when Covid forced the closure of an important show and the cancellation of all her plans. Initially depressed and listless, Rachel was inspired into action after a friend held a successful online event. Despite her lack of technology experience, Rachel decided to launch her own virtual open studio and subsequently designed and managed a successful online fundraiser. She also had work selected for several prestigious shows and made a rather special sale. We both found Rachel's story super-inspiring and we hope you enjoy it too.
Mentioned:
Rachel Davis https://www.racheldavisstudio.com/
This American Life Kid logic https://www.thisamericanlife.org/605/kid-logic-2016
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Alice @alicesheridanstudio
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Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week's episode was inspired by two different listener questions. Cathie asked whether likability matters when it comes to appreciating art (for example, does it matter that Gauguin might not have been the nicest person?). Meanwhile, Pam asked how much she has to reveal about herself in order to sell her work. We decided it would be interesting to debate this idea of the artist persona and how much it matters. Our discussion begins with great artists who were, let's say, less than perfect. Does the fact that Caravaggio committed at least one murder mean that we can't appreciate his art? If he had been alive today, would he have been shunned by galleries and collectors, thus depriving us of his work and influence? And how much does it matter if we find out that our favourite artists have traits and habits we don't like?
We then go onto to discuss the importance of persona when it comes to selling our own work. How much - if anything - do we need to reveal? How honest do we need to be? Is it enough to simply show our work - or do we need to show more of ourselves? And what are the key messages we should be sending?
Mentioned
Alice's Connected Artist Club https://alicesheridan.com/artists/
Maggi Hambling documentary https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000nx23
Mary Wollstonecraft statue https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/nov/10/mary-wollstonecraft-finally-honoured-with-statue-after-200-years
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Alice @alicesheridanstudio
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Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we're returning to a listener question from episode 93, when Cherrie asked if we knew of any positive lockdown stories. As the UK enters a second national lockdown, we decided to talk with two artists about how they have made the most of this strange year. First, Alice talks to Faye Bridgewater, who has really stepped up her game in 2020, earning success after success as a result of her courage and hard work. Then, Louise chats to Gwynne Penny, who shares a heartwarming story of turning negative feelings into a beautiful and inspiring creative project. Both these conversations are a reminder that we cannot control what happens, but we can control how we react to it. We also discuss our progress on our work and send our best wishes to Tracey Emin as she recovers from major surgery following a cancer diagnosis.
Mentioned
Faye Bridgewater https://www.fayebridgwater.com/
Gwynne Penny https://www.gwynnepenny.com/
Gwynne's book https://www.gwynnepenny.com/memories-of-st-ives-in-print/
The Painter and the Thief trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ohk9IQrmSc
Pamela Caughey video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6CsWdF-854
Join us
Alice's Connected Artist Wait List https://alicesheridanstudio.mykajabi.com/connected-interest
Louise's Art Tribe sign-up page https://thispaintinglife.mykajabi.com/art-tribe
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Alice @alicesheridanstudio
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Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we answer listener questions from Maroulla, Caroline, Helen and Jane, who all wanted to know about finishing and presenting work. We start with titles... how important are they? Is it OK to go with 'untitled' or can a creative title enhance the impact of a painting? And how do we come up with titles for our own work? We also share our secrets for sealing and varnishing work, cover a variety of framing options, and finally discuss our approach to packaging (including where we think we can improve). As usual, we also catch up with what we've both been up to (spoiler alert - lots of painting this week!) and enjoy a special letter about creativity written by the author Kurt Vonnegut to a class of schoolchildren.
Mentioned:
Morten Lassen contemporary painter
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"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
With only two months until Christmas, this seems the perfect time to revisit a topic we first discussed in episode 43 - how to encourage people to consider giving your art as a holiday gift (or requesting it as one for themselves!) This time, we cover the importance of good copywriting; the benefit of a flexible returns policy; and the value of offering gift certificates. We also suggest ways to create and market less expensive items such as prints, coffee table art books, mugs, and calendars, and we discuss how "drop shipping" firms can reduce costs and workload. In other news, Louise has had a breakthrough on some large paintings that she feels have really pushed her into new territory and this sparks a discussion about what that means. What does it feel like to be working in a new way? How do we recognise what works and re-create those conditions over and over again?
Mentioned
Contradohttps://www.contrado.co.uk/
Red Bubblehttps://www.redbubble.com/
The Rabbit Hole https://www.nytimes.com/column/rabbit-hole
Kate Green http://kategreenart.com/
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Louise's Art Tribe sign-up page https://thispaintinglife.mykajabi.com/art-tribe
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Alice @alicesheridanstudio
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Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Back in March, as we all went into lockdown, we speculated about how the pandemic would affect artists. (see episode 66)
This week, we are revisiting the topic to find out. The episode was prompted by Cherrie Trelogan, who asked if we knew of any positive lockdown stories and we both rubbed our hands in glee because we know of too many to list in just one hour!
Our discussion begins with our own situations, and as seems to be customary, we find ourselves in very different places. Lockdown has left Alice feeling a little out of sorts, although new ideas are bubbling up. Meanwhile, Louise has resolved what she will do with her Ted Hughes paintings and this has given her new energy and focus. But going beyond ourselves, we share just a few of the positive stories we know including fundraisers, books, virtual events, online sales, and the surprising success of art supply retailers. The conversation is really uplifting and just proves that, as creatives, we are better placed than anyone to make a go of things in tough times.
We also answer a listener question about gallery relations - "what to do when a gallery returns your work?" - and Louise shares an inspiring letter.
Mentioned:
Carlene Bronner https://www.newartforyou.co.uk/artist=Carlene%20Bronner
Rachel Davis fundraiser https://www.racheldavisstudio.com/fundraiser
Abigail Bowen's Dark Days series http://www.abigailbowen.com/dark-days-part1
Gwynne Penny https://www.gwynnepenny.com/memories-of-st-ives-in-print/?v=79cba1185463
Tracy Elizabeth Downing https://www.traceyelizabethdowning.com/my-poetry-book-moems-in-mind
Faye Bridgewater https://www.fayebridgwater.com/
Karen Stamper episode 63 https://anchor.fm/dashboard/episode/ebq61i
Ted Hughes letters https://www.amazon.co.uk/Letters-Ted-Hughes/dp/0571221394
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Alice's Connected Artist Wait List https://alicesheridanstudio.mykajabi.com/connected-interest
Louise's Art Tribe sign-up page https://thispaintinglife.mykajabi.com/art-tribe
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Alice @alicesheridanstudio
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Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week’s topic was inspired by a question from Sharon Mayfield who wrote “can you discuss imitation and originality. Is there any such thing as ‘original’ work these days? Is it ‘wrong’ to reflect styles of work or techniques we’ve seen used by other artists?”
This week, we discuss the difference between ‘stealing like an artist’ and copying. Of course we are all influenced by those who have gone before - it could not be otherwise. So how do we distinguish between taking an idea or technique and using it to inspire our own unique work, and simply copying what someone else has done? What does it mean to be influenced? How can you tell that's what's happening and when do you know you've crossed a line? And what does Austin Kleon mean by his idea of 'stealing like an artist'? We also share some information on copyright laws in the UK and US - but be warned that we are not experts! It does, in the end, all come down to common sense. And usually, if you are taking from someone else, you know when we have gone too far.
Mentioned
Steal Like an Artist : Austin Kleon https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steal-Like-Artist-Austin-Kleon/dp/0761169253
Ted Hughes - Poetry in the making https://www.amazon.co.uk/Poetry-Making-Handbook-Writing-Teaching/dp/0571233805
US copyright:
https://www.artbusinessinfo.com/copyright-and-fair-use-for-artists.html
UK copyright digital images and the internet: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/481194/c-notice-201401.pdf
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Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we're discussing the ways in which we motivate ourselves and move our work forward. Sometimes that comes from external input such as workshops, groups and one-on-one coaching. Sometimes we find the inspiration within ourselves. In this episode, we share our experiences of workshops, discuss how we choose the right teachers, and make suggestions on how you might evaluate a course before signing up. Questions to ask include whether you prefer learning in a group, how much instruction you want (vs exploring on your own), and whether you enjoy listening to the person leading the workshop. Alice makes the point that when we are drawn towards a specific workshop, it can often be a sign that we should explore that topic on our own. Often it's worth asking whether you can teach yourself what you need to know, either from online videos, books, or just through practicing in your studio. We also discuss finding the motivation internally - how can you ensure that you feel good about your work so that you want to go into your studio? How can you find the motivation to show up regularly? And how can you create the right emotional state for yourself so that you can move your art forward?
Mentioned:
Trust by Jonathan Hallhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000mb2k
Ghosts - BBC -https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m00049t9/ghosts
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Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we discuss how to attract a following for your art - a topic that was prompted by a question from Maureen, who wrote: “Could you discuss the challenging task of selling artwork? It’s all very well to produce a good selection of work, maintain a well-designed website, upload to Saatchi (or wherever) and add the best hashtags until you’re blue in the face! However the stumbling block in my case is clearly apparent. I, like many other artists, have no great following. Building a following takes years for the average person. I’d love to hear your thoughts.”
We actually agree with Maureen - all those things mean nothing without a following and yes it takes years to build a big following - but it doesn’t take years to start attracting new people to your work and it doesn't take much for you to start selling paintings. In this episode, we share how we each developed our audiences, particularly via Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
Our tips include choosing one or two platforms rather than trying to do everything; showing up consistently; acting like a pro even at the very beginning; focusing on sharing things that are of interest to others rather than just selling; engaging with others; and above all - being yourself.
Mentioned:
Ira Glass: The Perpetual Struggle to Find Your Creative Voice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAMbguAg1zM
"Ted Hughes: an unauthorised Life" by Jonathan Bate: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00W0TMW7S/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
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Alice @alicesheridanstudio
Louise @louisefletcher_art
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week we’re discussing the idea of success… what does it mean to be a successful artist and how do you know if you are achieving your goals? Many of us shy away from numbers and spreadsheets, but we both believe it’s vital to track key metrics in order to measure your progress. These metrics change at different stages of our career - in the early stages we can track the numbers that tell us if we are showing up consistently (things like hours spent painting and number of social media posts). Later on, we might be more interested in sales, expenses, web traffic, and social media engagement. But before you can decide what numbers to track, you really need to understand what success looks like for you - everything else flows from that key decision. Are you more interested in selling your work or in living a fulfilling creative life (or both)? Once you know where you are heading, you can determine what to measure.
Mentioned
Abigail Bowen Dark Days http://www.abigailbowen.com/
Hicks Gallery https://www.hicksgallery.co.uk/abigail-bowen-dark-days/
Jackson Pollock documentary Mural https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qY9leqZUMIk
Yvonne Lyon https://yvonnelyonmusic.com/
Susan Hart https://www.susanhartart.com/
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Alice @alicesheridanstudio
Louise @louisefletcher_art
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Is there a perception in the art world that big is better? Do you gain more respect if you make larger paintings? This week we debate wether size matters and share our own personal experiences of scaling up our work. We discuss the challenges of working larger, including the need to think differently, choose the right substrate and tools, and - most of all - buy enough paint. We also challenge the notion that big is better and discuss the importance of finding your own desired way of working. We feel that so much of this depends on what your work is about and what feels right to you. The right work will always find an audience, no matter the size. And if it doesn't, does that really matter if you are painting what you love?
This week's chat also covers internet scams, inspirational emails, school reports that miss the mark, and Alice's first in-person art event in 2020.
Mentioned
Ethan Hawke TED talk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRS9Gek4V5Q
Polly Dutton https://www.pollydutton.co.uk/
Rachel Davies https://www.racheldavisstudio.com/abstractportraits
You can see 'Canopy' on this page: https://alicesheridan.com/landscape-unlocked/
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Alice @alicesheridanstudio
Louise @louisefletcher_art
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
As we approach "back to school" in the UK and Louise's course comes to end, we are both thinking about transitioning back to studio work. But the Covid-19 pandemic has taken its toll and in this episode, we discuss how that has manifested for each of us. From a general feeling of being scattered (Alice) to a fear of public transport (Louise) and the over-riding sense that very little is certain anymore. But since uncertainty is our new reality, how do we stay upbeat and motivated? Our wide-ranging discussion spans meditation, managing moods, enjoying the present moment, insomnia, self-knowledge, the joys of a Sunday newspaper, and how we can make more time for things we enjoy. We also discuss what keeps us from doing what we want, including the fear of becoming totally selfish, the habit of staying busy, and the danger of failing in public. In the end, we both believe that this strange lockdown time has made us re-evaluate our priorities and tune in to what we really want out of our lives.
Mentioned:
See Alice's latest work at The Cowshed Collective:
https://www.artwavefestival.org/2020venues/cowshed-collective
Alastair Campbell “Living Better”:
https://www.theguardian.com/global/2020/aug/30/alastair-campbell-surviving-depression-how-i-learned-to-live-with-my-enemy
Annie Nightingale: “Hey, Hi, Hello” 5 decades of popular culture
https://www.waterstones.com/book/hey-hi-hello/annie-nightingale//9781474616683
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Louise @louisefletcher_art
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Our podcast reached 500,000 downloads this week and we are celebrating by looking back on our decision to start recording together. This led to a discussion about how we make decisions and how we judge success. What would have happened if we hadn’t done this together? And would we have continued if no-one had listened to the first 20 episodes? How do we even judge success, given that we never set a target in the first place?
Alice suggests that one way to decide anything is to ask ‘does it feel fun?’ Louise suggests that there has to be some kind of reward to keep you going - and sometimes the reward is simply the enjoyment of the process.
We both agree that (a) your decisions should be guided by what feels good (b) the rewards have to be internal (external validation is less important) and (c) that we shouldn't look for results too quickly; everything takes time to build.
In this episode, we also take a detour into our school days via Alice’s school reports and answer a question from a listener about selling styles - when are we helping people decide and when are we just being pushy?
Mentioned:
Cowshed Collective https://www.instagram.com/cowshedcollective/
Tracey Ross Art https://tracey-rossart.co.uk/
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Alice @alicesheridanstudio
Louise @louisefletcher_art
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we tackle some of the false beliefs that can bring artists down. So many of us accept our thoughts without questioning them - especially when it comes to the thoughts that hold us back. To shine a light on this issue, we decided to share some of our own past beliefs (and how we got past them). Louise's false beliefs included the idea that you have to be born with talent, the notion that artists can't make money, and the firm conviction that she would never be able to use colour (which is now her favourite part of painting).
Alice's limiting beliefs included you must paint with oils, you need hours at a time to make good work, and you must have gallery representation to be taken 'seriously.' During the conversation, you'll learn about Alice's childhood prize for colouring and Louise's 'compare and despair' relationship with 8 year-old Dale Arey. But most of all, you'll see just how many ideas and thoughts could have stopped us in our tracks.
Mentioned:
Francis Bacon studio http://francis-bacon.com/artworks/studio
Dreadzone 360 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOfWV4_2llU
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Louise @louisefletcher_art
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This is one of our more contentious episodes. A respected and highly prescient marketing guru says marketing is about to change and at least one of us disagrees. We debate his ideas along with other marketing approaches, to see if we can find the sweet spot for artists. When is it a good idea to create long-form blog posts? How can content curation help with our networking? And when is it preferable to simply share what we're doing in short emails and social media posts?
During the course of the conversation, Louise also shares a new idea she feels will help her build a new audience for her work, but Alice has her doubts. As always, we feel marketing is another area where we all have to find our own way. For some, committing to a monthly newsletter may feel good and for others it might feel like one too many commitments. Some might love the idea of curating from different sources while others prefer to simply report as they go. We hope this lively debate helps you decide what's right for you.
Mentioned
Alice's one-on-one coaching https://bookme.name/alicesheridan
Brian Clark's podcast https://unemployable.com/podcast/
Gary Vaynerchuk You tube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCctXZhXmG-kf3tlIXgVZUlw
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Louise @louisefletcher_art
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we’re tackling that most sensitive of topics - money. We didn’t have much of a plan for this episode - we just decided to start talking and see what happened. And what happened was a fascinating conversation about how we view money and why. Where are we generous? Where do we hold back? How does upbringing show up in our current relationship with money? Why will Alice happily buy a new car, but haggle for a £2 discount on a canvas? Why is Louise perfectly happy spending money on other peoples’ stuff, but sometimes struggles to charge a fair price for her own art? And how are we working to change our relationship to money? We also get into the financial side of an art career- for those who want to make a living from art, we consider the questions to ask yourself and the conscious steps you can take in the right direction.
Mentioned
Parasite https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEUXfv87Wpk
Reply All podcast https://gimletmedia.com/shows/reply-all
Book a personal session with Alice: https://bookme.name/alicesheridan
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Alice @alicesheridanstudio
Louise @louisefletcher_art
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
What does it feel like to have a breakthrough in your art? How do you know it’s actually a breakthrough and not just a fluke success? And how do you keep the momentum going once the initial serotonin rush has subsided and you realise there is a lot of work still to do? Last week Alice predicted that a breakthrough was on the way for Louise, and that turned out to be very prescient. In this episode she shares what happened, what she plans to do next and why power tools will play an important role. We also answer a listener question about whether it’s acceptable for a workshop leader to physically change a student’s work, sparking an interesting discussion about teaching styles and student boundaries.
Books Mentioned:
No Night is Too Long - Barbara Vine https://www.amazon.co.uk/Night-Too-Long-Barbara-Vine/dp/0517799642
Moon Tiger - Penelope Lively https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=moon+tiger&i=stripbooks&ref=nb_sb_noss_1
The Pilot’s Wife - Anita Shreve https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pilots-Wife-Anita-Shreve/dp/0349110859
How to Paint a Dead Man - Sarah Hall https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Paint-Dead-Sarah-Hall/dp/0571315631/
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Alice @alicesheridanstudio
Louise @louisefletcher_art
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we discuss how to handle a slump... those times when you turn up to work, and put in the hours, and yet nothing goes right; somehow the well has run dry, When this happens it's so easy for us to start berating ourselves, but actually we both believe this is a natural part of the process. Alice has always believed in taking breaks, but Louise finds that difficult since painting is the most joyful thing she does. So we brainstorm solutions and offer tips and strategies for anyone experiencing the same thing. Alice's suggestions include stepping back to assess what has been working and what hasn't. Louise thinks getting outside input might be one solution. Whatever the solution turns out to be, Alice believes this is a breakthrough moment and so we end our discussion with a challenge for Louise - go explore her newest idea and just see where it leads. This is an honest and open look at one artist's process - the good and the bad - and we hope it encourages you if you ever feel down about your work.
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Louise @louisefletcher_art
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Do you find it difficult to keep emotions out of business - especially when you feel let down? Many of us do it, but is it the best way to make decisions? This week we discuss the issue of disappointment and how we deal with it (or don’t!). Our conversation leads into the idea that disappointment is always closely related to expectations - when we expect something specific of a person or situation, we can feel hurt, angry or extremely disappointed when those expectations are not met. We have recently experienced a number of situations where we have either witnessed disappointment, caused disappointment, or felt disappointment and we examine this issue from each of these 3 perspectives. In this episode, we also discuss egotistical gurus, inspiring leaders, and the power of starting the week in creative flow.
Mentioned
Kyle Cease https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nDqMhZoEq8
Mahamed Hashi on Four Thoughthttps://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000ktq6
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Louise @louisefletcher_art
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
The idea for this episode was sparked by the book "Coaching the Artist Within" by Eric Maisel which Alice has been revisiting. If you've ever caught yourself thinking you must be 'this' or 'that' in order to be a creative success this might help you shift your ideas.
We talk about the author's ideas on dualistic thinking. Too often, Maisel suggests, we feel we must choose one way or another, without allowing for the possibility that we could actually be both. In fact, he argues, a truly creative life requires us to allow in one more than one possibility. We discuss this idea in the context of self-judgment, defining our art style, and the rules we place on our work.
We also debate the idea of doing 'meaningful work' and answer a listener question about selling prints. We both believe that prints can be a valuable addition to your business, but as with anything their success will depend on the time and energy you put into them.
Mentioned:
"Coaching the Artist Within" - Eric Maisel
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Louise @louisefletcher_art
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Do you ever find yourself wishing you had fewer artist followers on Instagram? Do you worry that you're not reaching enough buyers? Do you strive only for gallery owners and interior designers? This week, we're flipping this issue on it's head to highlight the positive aspects of a strong artist network. As we discuss this issue, we share our own experiences and the benefits we've gained from building relationships with our peers. These benefits include painting sales, business advice, collaborations, and surprising opportunities - not to mention the fun we've had! We also answer a listener question about framing, share the inspiring story of an American singer-songwriter, and touch on the cycle of expansion and contraction in our work.
Mentioned:
Jason Isbell's Youtube concert
Tara Leaver's IG story highlights
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Louise @louisefletcher_art
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Alice just held a virtual open studios and it sparked so many ideas for both of us. It turns out that when galleries close, and art fairs cancel, and open studios can't happen, we are forced to come up with new ways to market our work. The possibilities are infinite - each of us just need to find our own unique way. Don't feel it all has to be polished and perfect. In this episode, we discuss ways to create a personal connection over the internet, how an edited video differs from a live presentation, and how the approach Alice took might translate into other online exhibiting opportunities such as how Janette Phillips is creating unique flower paintings.
We close with a call to action ... how might you make the most of this exciting time?
If you enjoy the Art Juice podcast please vote for us in the Listener's Choice section! https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/vote
Mentioned
See what Alice created for a virtual Open Studio event here: https://alicesheridan.com/artistsathome/
See Janette Phillips idea for unique flower paintings here: https://www.janettephillips.com/workshops/
Gabriel Lipper's free video workshop has started but you can still catch up and see more here: https://artofgabriel.com/
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Alice @alicesheridanstudio
Louise @louisefletcher_art
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week's topic was inspired by a busy and stressful week for both of us - a week in which we had to learn, adapt, and employ what Alice calls "just-in-time" learning. Our discussion covers growing pains in both our art and our business. We discuss the importance of failure or mistakes (and how we learn from them) and debate Seth Godin's idea that sometimes we are struggling because we are in a dip and will soon start to come up out of it, while at other times we are struggling because we actually went into a cul-de-sac, from which we can never emerge. In this case, he suggests, the best course of action is to give up and find something else to do. In the end, we both lean towards the idea that learning and growing are essential, which makes growing pains not only inevitable but actually desirable. If you've ever send a marketing email with a dead link, started a project with no idea how to manage it, or spent years trying to make the wrong thing work, this episode is for you!
Mentioned
Louise's Find Your Joy course opens at 6pm GMT on June 23rd - join at https://www.louisefletcherart.com
See what Alice created for a virtual Open Studio event here: https://alicesheridan.com/artistsathome/
If you enjoy the Art Juice podcast please vote for us in the Listener's Choice section!
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Alice @alicesheridanstudio
Louise @louisefletcher_art
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week we're discussing creativity and specifically how to spark new ideas or creative energy. For Louise, the impetus seems to come when she is most busy, so that she has less time to think and dabble and is forced to take action quickly. For Alice, space and time and quiet are very important ... without that, she doesn't feel there's room for new ideas. But we both agree that outside input or external stimuli are vital, whether that is a conversation with another artist, an exhibition, a book, or just a trip on the tube. And we both feel that the best ideas often come from unexpected sources. - something just ignites that spark. We also discuss how we choose which ideas to bring to fruition and which to leave on what Alice calls "the idea shelf." As always, we have some points of similarity and some differences, so hopefully this conversation will help you think through your own creative process - maybe there are things you could do to create the ideal conditions for maximum creativity?
Mentioned:
Please vote for the Art Juice podcast here!
https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/vote
Find Tracey's book of Moems and order your own copy here:
https://www.traceyelizabethdowning.com/poemsandgiftcard
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Louise @louisefletcher_art
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Has over-thinking in your studio ever frozen you in your tracks? But you also want to bring more consideration to you art than pure intuition? This one is for you!
During our conversation with Brian last week, Alice asked “Is it enough to just focus on a buttery brush stroke?” and this led to a discussion of the role of the intellect in painting. Brian suggested that thought must only happen outside the studio, with instinct and intuition being the guide while he is working. So today we thought we’d dive more into this topic.
The balance of feeling and thinking in painting - how much do we need a concept? How important is intellectual thinking? Does working intuitively just mean throwing paint around willy-nilly? At what point is it most effective to think - before, during or after a painting? And is it the same for each of us?
We also play "ask the Brian oracle" with a listener question...
And Louise's final inspiration (Brian’s statement ‘humidity made me a painter’) might leave you with a question: "What is the one thing we continually come back to in our work?"
Mentioned
Please vote for the Art Juice podcast here!
https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/vote
Join Louise's free 'Find Your Joy" taster course here
https://thispaintinglife.mykajabi.com/free-FYJ-wait
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Alice @alicesheridanstudio
Louise @louisefletcher_art
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
“You can’t have a thought unless you have a feeling first. So the idea in painting is to freeze the feeling and then let the person have the thought.”
Today we are talking with New York painter Brian Rutenberg about all the way in which artists must show up for their work in order to find a deeper truth. Amidst a currently enforced break from his studio it’s reassuring to hear he has the same fear of starting again. We talk about the arc of creating a painting, how to exaggerate to clarify and if painting serves no purpose why is it ultimately such an essential process in understanding and sharing feeling.
Mentioned
See Brian's work on his website:http://www.brianrutenbergart.com/
Brian's books on Amazon HERE
Outside the US, Brian's book can be ordered by emailing gallery@forumgallery.com
Watch Brian’s videos from his studio on You TubeHERE
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Alice @alicesheridanstudio
Louise @louisefletcher_art
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we share 3 of the questions that we are most often asked, and discuss why they're really not helpful. Often, especially when we are starting out or when we are switching to a new medium, we ask questions as a kind of shortcut ... it feels easier to ask than to work it out for ourselves. But the truth is that the answers to these questions are unique for each of us. Only you can find the answer that works for you. That said, we do have some suggestions that we hope are helpful. This week we are also moving back to working on larger paintings, which feels really good, and we are both working hard on our membership groups. As an added bonus, Alice shares her lockdown TV recommendations!
Mentioned
Last chance to join Louise's Art Tribe at the founder's discount rate: https://thispaintinglife.mykajabi.com/art-tribe
Sally Hirst free courses on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCewJ2YXT8hN8Gb3g7LMkQKw
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Alice @alicesheridanstudio
Louise @louisefletcher_art
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week's main topic was prompted by Alice's decision to lend a painting to a leading home decor magazine. The painting appears on the front cover this month, but some people were critical of her decision to loan the piece free of charge. So in this episode, we discuss whether it's OK to work for free and what criteria you might apply when deciding. We cover loans like the one Alice made as well as charitable donations, fundraising events, speeches and workshops, and we weigh up long-term brand benefits versus short-term financial gains. In the end, each artist has to decide where he or she draws the line, but we hope this conversation helps you determine what might be right for you.
Mentioned:
Sign up for the Connected Artist Wait List here: https://alicesheridan.com/artists/
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Alice @alicesheridanstudio
Louise @louisefletcher_art
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Ever felt that the odds of making art were stacked against you? Busting this myth was what prompted today's guest Marissa Huber to start a series of interviews with other artists. She wasn't prepared to sit back and be told there was no longer time in her life to do what was important for her.
Two children later and still with a full time job she has just published 'The Motherhood of Art' with Heather Kirtland and we talk about when self-care came into existence, following the natural flow of any creative project and the reality of current situations vs. your dreams.
We also touch on boundaries of sharing online and how collaborations with others can help propel you forward. Whether you are a mother or not there will be ideas here to encourage you. The book is beautiful, but real, and would make an amazing gift for any woman balancing her own creativity along with raising a family. Do take a look ...
Mentioned:
Read Interviews and Find the book: http://www.carveouttimeforart.com/the-motherhood-of-art
Carve Out time for Art on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carveouttimeforart/
Find Marissa Huber on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marissahuber/
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Louise @louisefletcher_art
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we address an email from a listener who writes “Could you and Alice address the “what’s the point of art”, “what do I do with all this crap” sort of issues? I’ve not listened to the news for a while now, but am actually listening to very little at all. Sometimes I find people too jolly, too positive, so I guess I’m looking for gentle, encouraging, empathetic. I can’t seem to pull myself up at the moment.”
In response, we discuss how much it is our responsibility to change our mental state ... and how can do it. We also suggest that the question should be 'what is the point of art for ME?' Understanding this gives you motivation to show up even when you don't feel like it. Interestingly, we feel differently about this question and have different solutions, so hopefully you will resonate with one of us. We also discuss the 'butterfly effect' and why it might be a good thing and we share the ways in which we change our own moods (including a rather drastic strategy Alice recently employed - and is not recommending to others!)
Mentioned:
Extras outtakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_thjUPE1i4 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQMg8Ve1Gy0
Abraham Hicks: https://youtu.be/1ddJyJoSOrg
Art in Isolation episode 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoqTM4IljJM
Gretchen Rubin Four Tendencies Quiz HERE
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Alice @alicesheridanstudio
Louise @louisefletcher_art
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
You can't sell luxury items like art during a global pandemic. This seems to be a widely held belief and yet artists all over the world are discovering that it's not true. In fact, many artists are now selling online for the first time and finding more success than they ever expected. Indeed, we both posted work for sale recently as part of the #artistsupportpledge initiative, and we were both pleasantly surprised by our results. In this episode, we share our experiences and tips for succeeding with online sales during this crisis, discuss the importance of finding marketing strategies that work for you, and chat about ways we can use our art to raise funds for our favourite causes. We also discuss the ways in which this initiative might change how we market our own paintings in the future, and offer advice on what to do if you post work and it doesn't sell right away (spoiler alert: we don't think it's anything to worry about!) And finally, we say goodbye to Louise's (slightly surprising) childhood hero.
Mentioned
#artistsupportpledge on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/artistsupportpledge/?hl=en
Alice's small paintings - sorry - all sold out!
Louise's small paintings: https://www.louisefletcherart.com/small-works/
Norman Hunter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awoxabZSS9c
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Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week's episode was prompted by a question from Kate, an Australian artist who asked: "Should you like your own work? Do you ever stop fighting that inner critic (and external critics) and just start enjoying the process?" We both believe that loving your own work is crucial, touch on how we evaluate our work (and the importance of doing so) and share our feelings about where we find ourselves currently. We also ask whether what we love changes, whether this is an issue, and what to do with those older pieces that no longer make us feel excited. As for the inner critic ... Alice suggests there is a difference between criticism and critique. Can we analyse/assess our work without ever allowing that self-critique to stray into negative thoughts about ourselves or our level of talent? Finally, we each offer concrete steps that we believe artists can take to begin making work that they love.
Mentioned:
Alice's Connected Artist Club: https://alicesheridanstudio.mykajabi.com/connected-interest
Louise's Art Tribe: https://thispaintinglife.mykajabi.com/art-tribe
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Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we’re considering the shifts that we see happening in our artist communities. As galleries closed and art fairs were cancelled, many artists began to look for different ways of selling art.. Many are setting up (or re-designing) websites or sending out their first newsletter or getting more active on social media and we are both thrilled to see it. We have both long been huge advocates for this approach and so we find it exciting and energising to watch artists taking control. In this episode, we also discuss new approaches to open studios, the limiting beliefs that might be stopping us selling at this time, and the importance of building connections.
We also have a rare disagreement about Tik-Tok but concur on the power of a tidy studio space.
Mentioned:
Alice's Marie Kondo blog post: https://alicesheridan.com/how-to-kon-mari-your-studio/
Funny Journalist on Tik-Tok
Join our membership sites:
Alice's Connected Artist Club: https://alicesheridanstudio.mykajabi.com/connected-interest
Louise's Art Tribe: https://thispaintinglife.mykajabi.com/art-tribe
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Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
As the UK lockdown continues, we discuss the unfolding situation and the continual emotional shifts we are all experiencing. Here in Britain we are seeing some of our most well-known artists responding in different ways. Tracy Emin wrote an online diary; David Hockney is making new paintings; and Grayson Perry is filming a new TV show designed to encourage people to make art. We ask whether these are helpful reactions. In troubled times, what is the point of it all? Is art relevant? And is this an opportunity for us to switch from a focus on producing work for shows to a new emphasis on creativity and exploration? We also discuss the importance of mental health for our physical well-being, debate potential societal changes, and ask whether we are currently in the midst of a global existential crisis.
Mentioned
Mark this time on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/markthistime2020/?hl=en
Mark this time on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/markthistime2020/
Tracey Emin - online diary https://www.instagram.com/whitecube/?hl=en
David Hockney paintings https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-52109901
Grayson Perry/Anthony Gormley art kit home.https://firstsite.uk/art-is-where-the-home-is/
Lewis Howes podcast with Dr. Joe Dispenza https://youtu.be/RTuf7OfZ-yY
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Credits"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
In this episode, we address the massive changes that so many of us are experiencing and discuss how they affect our lives and our creativity. Very few artists seem able to continue as normal. Instead we are dealing with new realities, creating new routines, managing anxieties, and finding new ways to express ourselves creatively (including Alice's ongoing experiment in using up out of date food, just to find out what happens!) This week, we share the very real changes in our own lives and discuss our different responses - how do we continue to express ourselves creatively when everything around us is so uncertain? We also debate the role of the artist in challenging times and share a new idea that we hope will inspire you.
#markthistime is our response to the current situation - it is early days and the idea is evolving. There is more to come. For now, we very much hope you will join us and make art to mark this time.
Mentioned:
Our manifesto reads:
We are experiencing an unprecedented situation. One that calls for artists to step up. We need positive messages. We need reportage. We need insights. We need community. We need to mark this time.
The media mark this time with dramatic exaggeration. The politicians mark this time with obfuscation — it falls on artists to mark this time by bearing witness, by being present, by documenting, by connecting, by offering perspective - most of all by sharing our experience and letting it shine a light on the experiences of others. It falls to us to truly mark this time.
So come join the movement. Make art to mark this time.
Make whatever you feel called to make and share your work on Instagram with the hashtag #markthistime. We will be curating and sharing images each day on IG , the Facebook Page and on the new website we will create at markthistime.com
Mark This Time on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markthistime2020/
Mark This Time Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/markthistime2020
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Credits"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we are joined by special guest Karen Stamper. Karen is an accomplished painter and collage artist with a special passion for sketchbooks. She teaches workshops in person and online and in this episode, we pick her brains about helping adults loosen up, have fun and learn. As a former art teacher in high schools, Karen has an interesting perspective on the difference between adult students and kids.
We also discuss the importance of being generous with your knowledge and have an extensive conversation about how artists can take their teaching online, an important topic in this time in which workshops are being cancelled around the world. Our discussion includes how to know if you will enjoy teaching, how to get over fear of the camera, which platforms work best. how to build an audience for your online course, and the importance of encouraging and supporting students through the challenges of learning new things.
Mentioned:
Karen's website: https://karenstampercollage.com/
Find Karen's online workshops HERE (new platform)
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Credits"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Things are changing so quickly. Last week, we recorded a normal episode … a few days later and we are preparing for a lock-down. As Brits, we tend towards the "keep calm and carry on"' wartime spirit, and yet we are also human. So we feel anxiety, and stress about lost income, and worry about relatives, and wonder if we will ever again be able to buy toilet roll and pasta…. BUT, there are also reframes here; there are ways to look at the positives as well as the negatives; there are ways to manage our emotions; there are options.
We don't have answers. We have no expertise. We just wanted to talk to each other, to connect, to share, to console and to giggle, and we thought you might like to listen in. Hence this bonus episode. Stay safe … but more than that, stay calm and keep a sense of perspective. We can live without pasta!
Also please join us on the #artjuicekitchendrawerchallenge (catchy, I know!) by sharing your before and after!
Mentioned
Louise's Your Art Tribe membership site: https://thispaintinglife.mykajabi.com/art-tribe
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Credits"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we are joined by a special guest. Laura Horn is an Australian abstract artist who is also a successful podcaster, teacher and businesswoman. Over the years, she has worked to establish a regular art practice and build a full-time business while also juggling responsibilities as a wife and mother. In this episode, we learn how Laura turned a short sabbatical from her office job into a full-time art career - at first simply as a painter and then later as a creator of online courses. We discuss how important it is to build a business that aligns with your values and share our challenges with balancing work and rest-time. Our conversations also spans blogs, Instagram, social media trolling, podcasts and the challenges (and joys) of working closely with your spouse. In 'what's inspired?' Laura shares her love of mixed media, Alice is thrilled with new frames, and Louise has decided you're never too old for something you really love.
Mentioned:
Laura Horn Art: https://www.laurahornart.com/
The Laura Horn Podcast: https://www.laurahornart.com/thepodcast
Louise's Your Art Tribe membership site: https://thispaintinglife.mykajabi.com/art-tribe
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Follow Alice on Instagram @alicesheridanstudio
or Louise @louisefletcher_art
Credits"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This episode is a little different, Usually we record with hundreds of miles separating us, but this week, we take a rare opportunity to meet up and spend some time chatting about studio spaces, art careers and whatever else comes up. We drink tea, drive through London, and eat sugared chickpeas while we geek out about recording equipment, discuss the importance of resilience, and visit both of Alice's studios (old and new). During the visit to the new studio, we discuss Alice's newest paintings and share how it feels when your work moves into surprising new territory.
You can watch the accompanying short video on YouTube and get a sneak peek at Alice's new work HERE: https://youtu.be/TchzUtqwUaM
And also see images of the lighting products and paintings at each of our websites:
https://alicesheridan.com/artjuice60/
Surrey Contemporary Art Fair 13-15th March 2020
https://contemporaryartfairs.co.uk/surrey-spring/
Royal Watercolour Society 6-18th March 2020
https://www.royalwatercoloursociety.co.uk/exhibitions/36-rws-contemporary-watercolour-competition/overview/
Lighting products discussed:
Simple ring light and phone holder for livestreams HERE
Arm clamps for phone and ring light HERE
Day Light Umbrella Continuous Lighting Kit HERE
LED lights HERE
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Credits"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Marketing is a thorny topic for many artists - viewed as a necessary chore. But what if you approached it in a different way? This week, Louise is flying solo and sharing her experience with, and enthusiasm for, content marketing. This means promoting yourself and your art by sharing content ... either on social media, on a blog, in videos, or on a podcast. In this episode, Louise shares her tips for building awareness for your art through content creation. Her tips include documenting rather than creating; telling a coherent story; and engaging your audience rather than talking at them. Along the way, she shares her favourite content marketing gurus, and offers ideas for how to research topics.
Mentioned:
Gary Vee: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCctXZhXmG-kf3tlIXgVZUlw
Copyblogger: https://copyblogger.com/blog/
Seth's Blog: https://seths.blog/
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or Louise @louisefletcher_art
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we’re discussing comfort zones. This is a phrase coined by a business consultant called Alasdair White who described it as: “a psychological state in which things feel familiar to a person, and they are at ease, and in control of their environment, experiencing low levels of anxiety and stress. In this zone, a steady level of performance is possible.”
That doesn’t sound too bad does it? But psychologist Robert Yerkes suggested that to perform at our best we need to be in a state of what he called ‘optimal anxiety.’ Too anxious and our performance goes down, but it seems that we are at our most creative when we are just outside of what is comfortable for us.
This week, we discuss these ideas and debate whether it’s necessary to stay comfortable and safe in some areas so that we can be brave and bold in others. We also offer some questions you can use to determine whether you are working at ‘optimal anxiety’ or whether you are holding yourself back. Those questions are:
Other topics this week include the value of community, an unusual approach to painting edges, and a new way of looking at an ‘impossible’ project
Mentioned:
CVP sign-up: https://workshop.art2life.com/cvp-2020/
Art Juice Buddy group for CVP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/JUPbuddies2020CVP
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or Louise @louisefletcher_art
Credits"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
If you are an artist, this is the time of year when you start to hear about CVP, the online 12-week course taught by Nicholas Wilton. (Full name: The Creative Visionary Program). We have both taken this course in the past and Alice now works as a CVP coach. In this extra episode, we discuss our own personal experiences with the program and answer some of the questions that we are most frequently asked. Our discussion covers financial considerations, the logistics of online learning, how much individual guidance you can expect, how much time is needed, and which kinds of artists can most benefit. Does this work for you if you are a beginner? How about a skilled professional? Should you take it if you paint realistically? Or is it just for abstract artists. We cover all this and more in a frank and wide-ranging conversation.
We also invite you to a special Facebook group that we will be hosting for anybody who signs up through our link (bit.ly/cvp2020). Please note we have to check each name with Nick’s team, so please be patient as we admit you into the group. You can find that group by searching Facebook for JUP CVP BUDDIES 2020 or clicking the link below.
Mentioned:
Sign up for CVP via Art Juice at bit.ly/cvp2020
See stories from others who have taken the program here: https://workshop.art2life.com/cvp-2020-inspiration/
Then come and join us in our special Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/JUPbuddies2020CVP/
Sue McNenly on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suemcnenly/?hl=en
Contact either of us via our websites:
or on Instagram:
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Do you ever feel overwhelmed? Do you find that your painting time is being eaten up by admin and emails and marketing and social media ... not to mention spouses and kids and parents and pets? Even when we love what we do, it can be stressful to cope with competing demands on our time. This week Alice is fiercely protecting her painting time despite pressure to do other things, while Louise is facing up to her tendency to put others' needs ahead of her own. We discuss our strategies for managing overwhelm, offer tips for prioritising what matters, and debate whether it has ever been possible for an artist to simply make their art on a full time basis. We also discuss the value of good framing and Alice shares her experience of receiving a very special letter.
Mentioned
Juiced Up Buddies group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/juicedupbuddies/
RWS Contemporary 2020: https://www.royalwatercoloursociety.co.uk/exhibitions/36-rws-contemporary-watercolour-competition/overview/
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or Louise @louisefletcher_art
Credits:
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week's episode was inspired by a question from an artist who wrote: "I can draw well, and I paint in watercolour and acrylics but my style is all over the place. How can I find a style and settle on it?" We discuss whether you need to settle on a specific style, or whether it's OK to have multiple strings to your bow. Perhaps this varies depending on your goals for your art. We also share our own individual journeys, and debate whether there are concrete steps you can take to find your own style. An artist's style, we agree, is the result of many different choices (subject matter, media, process, and decisions about colour and design and value among many other things). But it is also something that evolves - and that is perhaps never fully defined. After all, many of the "greats" changed styles multiple times as they explored different ideas or different ways of making their work. Most of, we both feel that your style is something that comes through doing rather than thinking - you must make work and in the process of making that work, you find your style.
This is also one with giggles over builders, a few tears and even disagreements over confectionery!
Mentioned
Join the free Art2Life online workshop HERE: https://www.louisefletcherart.com/for-artists/art2life/
Lesley Birch: https://www.lesleybirchartist.com/
Alice Sheridan - Canopy: https://alicesheridan.com/landscape-unlocked/
Laura Horn Art podcast: https://www.laurahornart.com/thepodcast
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Credits"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Louise is flying solo as Alice prepares for an art fair. Many artists dread the idea of marketing, but this week, Louise shares her belief that marketing doesn't have to feel pushy or unpleasant. With content marketing, it can be as simple as letting people know what you're up to. In this episode, she shares the lessons she learned from corporate marketing including why documenting is so much easier than creating, how storytelling can attract your ideal art buyers, and why engagement is so important for your success. But this is not just an episode about the theory of marketing - there are also practical tips and strategies to help you think how you could use these ideas in a way that feels good to you.
Mentioned
Seth Godin: https://seths.blog/
Gary Vee: https://www.youtube.com/user/GaryVaynerchuk/videos?view=0&sort=p&shelf_id=11
Copyblogger: https://copyblogger.com/blog/
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Follow Alice on Instagram @alicesheridanstudio
or Louise @louisefletcher_art
Credits"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week's chat was inspired by Michael Neill's book "Creating the Impossible." The book, which is subtitled "A 90 Day Program to Get Your Dreams Out of Your Head and into the World," argues that we can accomplish more than we ever imagined without the constant stress and pressure associated with high achievement and asks "what if creating what you want to see in the world isn’t dependent on believing in yourself, or even believing that it’s possible?" In other words, if we get out of our own way, and stop telling ourselves something isn't possible, new possibilities and opportunities start to reveal themselves. In this episode, we discuss the idea of the mind as a "virtual reality generator" and explore what happens when we change the way we are thinking. If we allowed for the possibility that our wildest dreams might be attainable, how would we act differently? And what might unfold as a result?
We also celebrate reaching dizzy heights on the Apple podcast charts and share our excitement about letting loose and making some bold moves on works-in-progress.
Mentioned: Michael Neill Creating the Impossible: https://www.michaelneill.org/ctibook/
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Credits"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week American artist Nicholas Wilton returns to discuss the question: "what do you wish you had known 10 years ago?" Our discussion ranges from materials and brushes, to deeper more personal realisations, including tough lessons about authenticity, the need to find your own process, and the importance of relaxing into who are you really are.
We also discuss our experiences as teachers and the lessons we have watched our students learn and Nick shares a particularly challenging experience he had as an emerging artist. It is always inspiring to discover that all artists experience the same highs and lows and that we make many of the same mistakes. As you listen to this conversation, it will become apparent that you are never alone ... your struggles are the same as ours, your triumphs feel the same as ours ... we are all on the same path and we can all offer a helping hand to anyone who is behind us.
Finally, we share our plans to do just that by building a supportive community in a Facebook pop-up group. You won't want to miss this!
Mentioned:
Art2Life free workshop: https://bit.ly/art2life2020
Juiced Up Workshop Buddies 2020 (Facebook group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/juicedupbuddies/
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Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This is our one-year anniversary. When we started the podcast, it felt like quite a risk ... neither of us had any idea how to make a podcast and we had to figure it all out on the fly. Reflecting back on the last year sparked a discussion about courage inspired by the Brene Brown book "Daring Greatly." The title for her book came from this Teddy Roosevelt quote: "It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.” We discuss the role of vulnerability in connecting with our audiences, the importance of allowing ourselves to be imperfect, and the need to act even when you are terrified.
We also respond to a question from Susan, who wrote: "There is a hilarious song by Morrissey called 'We Hate it When Our Friends Become Successful' and I am wondering if you have lost any friends along the way. Do you notice some people just getting standoffish, angry or acting differently the more you succeed?"
Mentioned:
Sign up for Free Art2Life workshop
Brene Brown TED talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjNtWRBdXws
Caroline Goyder ‘Find Your Voice’ book - available for pre-order: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Find-Your-Voice-Confidence-Situation/dp/1785042831
Caroline in action with some tips for speaking with confidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0325A8-_A4
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Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
At one time or another, most of us have considered giving up making our art. In this episode, we share our own experiences and discuss why this feeling arises. Perhaps we have ambitions that exceed our current skill level and this leads to disappointment with the results. Sometimes, we are not creating what we really want to create, leading to boredom and burn-out. It is also common for people to become discouraged when they lack a support system and even when they have a spouse or partner who actively discourages their art-making. The conversation leads us to conclude that all these issues can be addressed - we can find support elsewhere, we can improve our skills through education and practice, and we can start to make art that we really love instead of just doing the same old thing.
This week we also tackle the topic of returning after a break and offer our different perspectives on how to get back into your work after the holidays.
Mentioned
Find out about Alice's Connected Artist Club and join the interest list here: https://alicesheridan.com/artists/
Link to louise’s Flickr album of self portraits https://www.flickr.com/photos/63799511@N05/albums/72157663186899771
Link to studio tidy post How to Kon Mari Your Studio
See Alice's sketchbook progress page HERE
Nour the artist/Ocado delivery driver!
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Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
In our first episode of 2020, we tackle the idea of success. Many of us have been planning for the new year, but what is it that we want to achieve? Is money the ultimate measure of success? Is recognition more important? What about our success as a friend or spouse or parent? In this episode, we dig into our own personal definitions and, as with most things, we find that there is no one right answer. We also discuss how much our ideas of success change over time - what we wanted at 25 is never going to be the same as what we want 20 years later.
Our conversation also covers second-hand art books, a Tate Modern exhibition that Alice really didn't like, and the newest star on Tik-Tok (the world's fastest growing social media platform).
Mentioned:
Alice's Wait list for Connected Artist Club: https://www.alicesheridan.com/artists
Charlie D'Amelio on Tik-Tok: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lF0ysSzsNFc&t=56s
Gary Vee interviews Charli D'Amelio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpEszCguMJU
Olafur Eliasson at Tate Modern: https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/exhibition/olafur-eliasson
Youtube millionaire: https://www.youtube.com/user/SunnyLenarduzzi
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Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
We had planned to take break this week, but we just couldn't do it! So, here we are with a bonus episode all about preparing for a new year. This year, we are taking very different approaches - Alice is relaxing into letting things happen in an easy way, while Louise has spent some time defining clear goals and then breaking them down into scheduled tasks. This is a reversal of roles from prior years and so in this episode, we dive into what is driving both of us. Why has super-organised Alice not yet started to develop a plan? Why has laissez-faire Louise suddenly decided to create highly structured plans? It turns out that we have both made these changes to address what didn't work for us in prior years and to suit our individual preferences. And this is so important ... there are many different ways of approaching new year's planning and there is no right or wrong. What most matters is to find a way of working that is right for you.
We also share what has excited and inspired us ... for Alice it was watching Brian Rutenberg's YouTube videos (specifically Studio Visit 48) and for Louise, it was realising how important social media has been in finding her target audience.
Mentioned:
Find out about Alice's Connected Artist Club and join the interest list here: https://alicesheridan.com/artists/
Brian Rutenberg: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cp3017D6Tkc
The book recommendations episode: https://anchor.fm/dashboard/episode/e6chml
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"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
The last module of Louise’s Find Your Voice course is all about risk and adventure. Alice has just been on an adventure of her own - one that Louise also could have experienced but chose not to. This week, we discuss how important risk and adventure are in our work and in our lives. Can we have one without the other? Do we tend to take risks in some areas of our lives while avoiding them in others? And what is the payoff when we do venture out of our comfort zone?
We also discuss the emergence of new things in our work. How do we know when a new direction is meaningful as opposed to being an aberration? How do we choose which ideas to follow and which to let go? Do we actually need to decide anything or can we just let the work develop?
Mentioned:
Haramara, Mexico https://haramararetreat.com/
Barns Courtney https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrV90gXmOpA
Guilt TV show https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0009qm2/guilt-series-1-episode-1
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"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Rachel Davis joins Louise as a special guest this week for a fascinating mindset discussion.. Rachel is an artist, a practicing psychologist, and a creativity coach, making her especially qualified to discuss this week's topic - imposter syndrome. First identified in 1978, this is a psychological pattern in which an individual doubts their accomplishments and has a fear of being exposed as a "fraud." Imposter syndrome can be pervasive (affecting all areas of your life) or situational (for example, only arising when you have your own gallery show or the first time you book a stand at an art fair) but it is estimated that 70% of the population has experienced it at some time. Rachel and I discuss our own experiences with imposter syndrome, debate whether artists are especially vulnerable to it, and share our strategies for overcoming the issue when it arises for you.
Mentioned
Rachel Davis art and creativity coaching:https://www.racheldavisstudio.com/
Rachel's psychology website: http://www.drruthkalb.com/
ICB Building (regular open studio events): http://icbbuilding.com/
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"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
As artists sometimes we are not that organised... we like to be free spirits, right? But this really doesn't work if we want to move our careers forward and take advantage of all the opportunities available to us. This week, we discuss our own approaches to planning for events such as exhibitions, contests, art fairs and workshops. Louise admits that she has missed out several times because of a lack of planning, while Alice has developed a system to ensure this doesn't happen. As we chat, we share practical tips and strategies including how to find the opportunities in your area, and what dates to monitor.
We also share our excitement at having created paintings that feel different - and are either the best things we've ever done, or destined for the bonfire. We're really not sure which!
Mentioned
Lund Studioshttps://www.lundstudios.co.uk/courses-2020
Courses at Seawhite Studioshttps://www.emilyballatseawhite.co.uk/
Discerning Eyehttps://discerningeye.org/exhibition/intro.php
Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours, Mall Galleries (ENTRY DEADLINE: Friday January 3rd 2020) https://www.mallgalleries.org.uk/call-for-entries/open-exhibitions/royal-institute-painters-water-colours
Royal Academy Summer Exhibition (OPEN 6 Jan - 17 Feb) https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/exhibition/summer-exhibition-2019
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"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we're diving into a topic we've both wondered about ... how much should we share? If we let people in to all aspects of our creative process, does our art lose its mystery? Do collectors really want to see the good, the bad and the ugly of our artistic process? And what about sharing with other artists? Should we keep some things as trade secrets? If we share everything, are we worried about people copying us? During our conversation, we share some of the benefits we've both experienced from sharing our work, our processes and our creative lives. We also discuss the potential pitfalls of being open and honest.
Later, we answer a listener question from Wendy about substrates ... why do we choose to work on boards or canvas or paper? What factors do we weigh and how does that decision impact our work? All this, plus the week's inspiration, which includes a kick-ass group of artists and the story of how one amazing woman turned hardship into massive success.
Mentioned:
Thought for the Day: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p07vp1z4
Wharfedale Grange wedding venue: https://www.wharfedalegrange.co.uk/
Louise's free acrylics video: https://www.louisefletcherart.com/acrylics/
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"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we welcome a special guest.
Nicholas Wilton is a Californian painter who also runs a successful online art course called The Creative Visionary Program (a course both Alice and Louise have taken in the past). Nicholas has an unusual take on the age-old topic of selling art - and it's one that might surprise you. In this special conversation, we discuss his counter-intuitive ideas (such as the fact that the more unique your art becomes, the more others can relate to it); share our own art-making processes; discuss the value of working in a series; and consider the role intuition plays in our creative process.
We also touch on the power of found materials, and learn about the profound changes that Nick and Alice are experiencing in their work. This is a conversation that is sure to energise and inspire you.
This is also the last week to join our exciting end-of-year event which started in Monday. “Your Best Art Year Ever” is an interactive live 5-day event during which we are sharing our approach to planning for success. There will be chat, laughs, sound advice, a chance to ask questions, and even a few free downloads so that you can plan your own “best art year ever.” You can join the Facebook group now and catch up with anything you missed. Join HERE.
Mentioned:
Your Best Art Year Ever event: https://www.facebook.com/groups/425384981672761/
Find Nick's colour tips PDF HERE
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"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
As the holidays approach, we discuss how you can encourage others to give your art as a gift (or to ask for your art as a gift). The challenge, of course, is that art is a highly personal choice, so buyers might be concerned about "getting it wrong." We put our heads together and came up with a range of tips and tricks designed to make it easy and risk-free for someone to give your art to a loved one. Our ideas range from the types of products you offer, to the ways in which you allow people to buy.
This is also the last week to join our exciting end-of-year event scheduled for the week of November 18th. “Your Best Art Year Ever” will be an interactive live 5-day event during which we will share our approach to planning for success. There will be chat, laughs, sound advice, a chance to ask questions, and even a few free downloads so that you can plan your own “best art year ever.” You can join the Facebook group now and start to get to know everyone, so that you’re ready for when we start on November 18th. You can sign up HERE. No sales pitch, no sign-up.
Mentioned:
Your Best Art Year Ever event: https://www.facebook.com/groups/425384981672761/
Paypal credit: https://www.paypal.com/uk/webapps/mpp/paypal-virtual-credit
Kevin Ghiglione: https://ghiglione.ca/critique
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"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week we’re discussing art fairs. We both have a slightly different perspective on these events - one of our rare disagreements - so today we’re tackling it head on. Louise asks: “Are art fairs really a viable sales vehicle for most of us? Or are many artists paying high fees to rent space without earning a return on the investment?
We debate our differing viewpoints and discuss how you can determine whether an art fair might be the right place to show your work. This includes considerations such as whether you are ready for this step, what kind of fair would suit you best, is the event well-run and well-attended, and how do art fairs fit into your overall plans?
We also announce an exciting end-of-year event scheduled for the week of November 18th. “Your Best Art Year Ever” will be an interactive live 5-day event during which we will share our approach to planning for success. There will be live chat, laughs, sound advice, a chance to ask questions, and even a few free downloads so that you can plan your own “best art year ever.” You can join the Facebook group now and start to get to know everyone, so that you’re ready for when we start on November 18th. Just click HERE to join.
Mentioned:
Alice's post about finishing paintings: https://alicesheridan.com/after-finished-painting/
Louise's video about sealing and framing paintings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x435LhnbrzU
Join the new Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/425384981672761/
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"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Louise received a remarkable letter this week which sparked a discussion about manifestation, the law of attraction and all things “woo-woo.” This is definitely not an area of expertise for either of us, but we have both experienced some surprising results from changing our mindset. Is there something to the law of attraction? Or is it just that when we change our thoughts, we take different actions? We debate this, discuss our personal experiences, and touch on the emerging science that suggests the way we think really does alter our physical reality.
We also answer a question from a listener who worries that her buddhist practice might smooth out her emotional ups and downs and negatively impact her work.
Mentioned:
Marisa Peer and Lewis Howes interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4TqTkks7AA
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"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Today's special guest believes creatives best get clear "with our mouths open" . Talking, and more importantly, listening is key to her role as a coach. Judith Morgan has been coaching for 15 years and Alice's coach - rather on a whim - for the past 5 years and today we are talking about what exactly coaching involves, sharing some of the practices which have helped many different creative entrepreneurs and discussing impatience, creating a sanctuary, the impact of emotions, leaving an imprint and the risks of helping others at your own expense.
If you've ever wondered about how coaching could help you, we hope this might clarify your ideas about what to look for to choose the right way for you. After all, that's what we both strongly believe is the only way. Do you agree?
Mentioned:
Find Judith's book "Your Biz Your Way" HERE
If you'd like to get in touch with Judith, the best way is to message through her Facebook page
Find Own It the podcast HERE
Read some of the stories behind the Peter Doig exhibition at Michael Werner gallery HERE
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"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Alice is feeling a shift in direction and has been exploring the idea of intention for her work. This sparks a discussion about the role of intention in art-making. Do we need it? Do we have to decide it right from the start? Or can we find it as we go?
We explore the pros and cons of intention in a discussion that ranges from the compositions of an art-making chimpanzee to Steve Jobs’ wise words about how we can connect the dots.
We also discuss the perennial topic of studio flooring, ponder the challenges of teaching art workshops and reveal our thoughts about fancy dress (Gold star if you can guess which one of us has never ever worn a fancy dress costume!)
Brian Rutenberg Clear Seeing Places https://www.amazon.co.uk/Clear-Seeing-Place-Studio-Visits/dp/0997442301
Steve Jobs speech https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF8uR6Z6KLc
Congo the chimp https://news.artnet.com/exhibitions/congo-late-chimpanzee-painter-whose-work-sold-thousands-will-solo-show-december-1671976
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"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
In this special episode we discuss some of the books that have inspired us over the years. Our choices may seem surprising but we hope they are all enlightening. They include a collection of letters from one poet to another, a book on marketing (with a twist), two very different artist-written books, and two diverse guides to living an easier and more joyful life. We could not fit all our recommended books into one podcast, so we've created a special download for you with a total of 14 amazing reads. (see below for links). Even if you think some of these books are not for you, it might be worth trusting us and trying them anyway - each one contains amazing wisdom to enrich our lives and our art-making.
We also answer a listener question about how to judge our work. Is there any such thing as a perfect painting? And how do we know if what we are making is good? In fact, who decides what is good?
Links:
Download your "Ultimate (unusual) Book Recommendations for Artists" HERE.
Find further book suggestions on THIS Instagram post
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"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Most of us spend our lives trying to fit in; to get it right; to avoid causing offence. If we have unusual personality traits or experiences, we tend to keep them hidden from all but our closest friends.
This episode was conceived after a personal conversation during which Alice shared a major event in her life. That event played a major role in the way her art has developed and yet she has not discussed it publicly until now. We explore how such experiences can shape our art and whether this is something we should share with others. Does it help us connect with art buyers more authentically? Or is it too much information? And what are the potential downsides of being open about our lives?
Our discussion touches on the work of Brenee Brown, covers what to do if you don't like exposing yourself, and includes a brief discussion of whether galleries approve of artists being vulnerable online. We also catch up with Alice after her workshop in Yorkshire and hear how she kept herself occupied during over 12 hours of driving (spoiler alert: there was singing!).
Mentioned
Louise's sketchbook from Alice's workshop
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"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week we’re diving into the topic of email and newsletters. For many artists, the thought of sending a regular email is daunting (what do you say? How do you say it?) Others haven’t even collected email addresses in the past.
We’re hoping today’s discussion will inspire you to get started and/or to crank up your current efforts. The truth is that email has an important role to play in your marketing mix. Yes social media is important, but when someone gives you their email address, they are taking a step closer to you - giving you a valuable opportunity to make and keep a connection.
We share tips, discuss areas where we could improve, and invite you to sign up for both our newsletters, so you can experience what happens when you do. All this as well as Bake-Off chat, new studio news and the exciting nature of the creative cycle.
Mentioned
https://alicesheridan.com/see-more/
https://www.louisefletcherart.com/newsletter-artists
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"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Today’s discussion was inspired by a book and TED talk by Simon Sinek, both entitled ‘Find Your Why.’ Sinek's main point is that when you know the purpose of what you are doing, it is so much easier to make the right decisions, achieve good results, and sell it to others.
As artists, we can explore this on several levels - why do I make my art? Why am I making this particular series of paintings? And, at the granular level, why am I making this one specific painting?
Our wide-ranging conversation spans the desire to create things, the need to be seen, the drive to communicate our internal experience, and whether what we are really seeking is love. (Deep stuff!) We also get into how you find your purpose. It isn’t something you can just come up with in 5 minutes. For most of us, it is a gradual process of discovery and it arises from the work we do. We also acknowledge that so much of this changes over time - even if we know our why at this moment, it may well change in future years.
Mentioned
Simon Sinek TED talk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4ZoJKF_VuA
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"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week's discussion was sparked by a question we received from a listener. AJ asked this question about commissions: “I am an up and coming artist with a handful of commission requests. I would love to learn about the professional way to handle commissions. How do you and Alice do this? How much do your charge? What do you do about edits? Should the client pay upfront or give a deposit?”
The question led us into an interesting debate about how formalised a commission process should be. Alice sets clear parameters and her process has worked very well for her, while Louise has found that any kind of commitment feels heavy. She is therefore taking a much more informal approach (including refusing commissions unless they feel just right).
We discuss practicalities (pricing, process, deposits etc), share our successes (as well as those that didn't go so well), and debate the pluses and minuses of allowing client input during the creative process.
In the end, we both agree that there is no one-size-fits-all "professional" methodology and that the most important thing is for each artist to determine an approach that works for him or her (and make the parameters very clear to the buyer in advance).
This week we also share some exciting studio news, celebrate the success of a fellow artist, and (literally) get a little bit potty-mouthed (!)
Mentioned:
Zandra Stratford's show at https://afternynegallery.com(Until Sept 21st)
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"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Do you feel the need for a “good” result every time you paint? Or hope for a painting that looks good at every stage?
This can bring an added stress to making art and limit your ability to experiment. We discuss what might be at the bottom of this, quite natural, desire to feel satisfied and how we can work this into our process.
Also, one listener asks "Am I not going to move forward in my art if I keep using my phone?" and we have some ideas of the advantages and disadvantages of using your phone as a recorder and where it may be holding you back.
Mentioned:
Kyle Cease podcast interview - creativity and taking that one step (Warning; curse words!)
https://podtail.com/en/podcast/you-made-it-weird-with-pete-holmes/kyle-cease/
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"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Settle down, you are in for a treat in this discussion of the artist as problem solver!
Megan Woodard Johnson is a mixed media artist who layers vintage paper ephemera with paint, various drawing media and found objects to tell evocative stories within her work.
Alice talks with Megan about that fact that an artist's growth is rarely linear and how we can only make sense of it all when we look backwards at everything that happened.
The wide-ranging discussion also covered building a creative practice alongside a family, how to find honest critiques of your work, and how new classes and experiences can invigorate us as artists. Megan also offered practical tips for loading your car (!), teaching workshops, and how creative collaborations can allow you to blossom.
Mentioned:
See more of Megan’s work at:
http://www.meganwoodardjohnson.com/
Find her on Instagram at: @meganwoodardjohnsonart
https://www.instagram.com/meganwoodardjohnsonart/
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"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
“If I had to describe my work, I would say that it is a blend of grunge, whimsy and outsider.”
In our first breakout week, Louise is in discussion with artist Jacqui Fehl . Influenced by music, lyrics, feelings, stories, other artists, and the materials themselves, Jacqui’s art is as varied as her ever changing hair – sometimes light, humorous and colourful , while at other times serious with a touch of dark.
In this podcast, Jacqui and Louise dive deeply into issues around the creative process, scaling up your work, your personal voice and and how we define success.
Part of the conversation centred on this quote:
"It quite frequently happens that you’re just treading water for quite a long time. Nothing really dramatic seems to be happening. … And then suddenly everything seems to lock together in a different way. It’s like a crystallization point where you can’t detect any single element having changed. There’s a proverb that says that the fruit takes a long time to ripen, but it falls suddenly … And that seems to be the process."
Brian Eno
Mentioned:
See more of Jacqui’s work at:
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Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Things haven’t gone to plan chez Alice and Louise this week. Alice’s much anticipated summer break was swamped by rain, meaning a lot of wet walks and NONE of the planned sketchbook days out. To compound the situation, she also lost internet which meant she couldn’t catch up on important work. Louise worked for months on an online course, only to be let down by Zoom, YouTube and Mailchimp all on the same evening. The result was less than pretty!
Given these mini-disasters, we discuss how we react when things go wrong. It’s easy to say ‘put things into perspective’ but do we need to feel that emotion first? And if so, is there a way to feel the emotion, but also keep things in perspective?
We also answer a question about art degrees. One listener is considering whether to go for an MA. We acknowledge that being an artist is about learning and stretching yourself, but we wonder whether taking an advanced degree is a safe option that simply postpones the inevitable time when you have to do this for yourself anyway.
We would love to hear you views on this topic too, if you’ve taken an MA, what did you feel it gave you?
Mentioned:
Louise's course - Find Your Joy
Two Dots - you really don’t want to waste your time on this (unless you are only human!)
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"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week we’re discussing gender and how it influences the way we work. The high-end art world continues to be dominated by men and yet attend any workshop and most of the artists there will be women. Are female artists victims of a sexist society? Or are we actually holding ourselves back? We discuss how our parents influenced our attitudes, how women’s tendency to care for others can hinder us, and how we might make our way confidently in a man’s world without resorting to mimicking our male colleagues. We also wonder why some men take up two seats on a plane instead of just one!
(Damn! Should have scrolled further down the page… look at this article!!! By 40 women’s confidence grows to match men and post 60 is greater!!!!! There is hope :-)
Alice has been taking and collecting selected work from exhibitions
You can see three paintings as part of The Annual Exhibition Society of Women Artists at The Mall Galleries Tuesday 24th Sep at 4.00 to Sunday 29th September.
Mentioned:
Alice’s mum’s book (for a great summer read) is called 'The Baby Box' by Jane Hayward
Buy the hard copy direct: https://janehayward.blog/book/
Or on Amazon HERE
Find the Olafur Eliasson documentary Alice mentioned HERE
The exhibition is on at Tate Modern until 20 January 2020
'The War of Art' by Steven Pressfield HERE
'Art and Fear' by David Bayles and Ted Orland HERE
Buy us a coffee and support the podcast here
Submit a question at bit.ly/artjuicepodcast
Follow us on Instagram: @alicesheridanstudio @louisefletcher_art
See fuller show notes on our websites:
www.alicesheridan.com
www.louisefletcerart.com
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
We discuss our different approaches to summer - Louise doesn’t slow down in summer and in fact, her online course is about to start which means she is working even harder. Alice has children, which means her summers have always been a time for family. Even with the best will in the world, it’s almost impossible to work while caring for young children so she has always had to find ways of creating that could be squeezed into the gaps around family time. This has included other creative projects including home decor, gardening, cooking, and reading the art books that she has never got round to. We also discuss sketchbooks and the different ways we have both used them.
Oh, and also we started a hashtag for sharing how you are keeping in touch with your art practice over the summer!!
Use #artjuicesummer on Instagram
Our audience question is about charity donations: The listener wrote: “Had my fill this week. Would make an interesting podcast. The tactics they use to get free artwork. How to say no. How to not feel guilty. If I’m targeted then others artists must be too.”
We have a slight reframe on this one … listen for ideas on how you can turn this around so it works for you AND for the charities you choose to support.
Mentioned:
Find your Joy FREE mini course runs Aug 2nd - 10th and you can sign up HERE
Simple sketchbooks for the sketchbook in a day project HERE
Buy us a coffee and support the podcast here
Submit a question at bit.ly/artjuicepodcast
Follow us on Instagram:
@alicesheridanstudio @louisefletcher_art
See fuller show notes on our websites:
www.alicesheridan.com
www.louisefletcerart.com
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week we’re talking about transitions - those times when our work moves into a new phase. Perhaps it comes upon us almost without us noticing - perhaps we make a conscious decision, but either way, change can be both exciting and unsettling.
Louise is preparing to start new work in a few weeks time, and feeling pulled in several directions which feel unrelated.
Alice has started new work that could be seen as re-visiting an earlier interest. We talk about letting ideas go, and giving them time to develop, how you can recognise transition moments. And when you should be on alert that perhaps some new transition is needed to fire up your creative life again.
We also discuss a listener question from someone feeling impatient and wondering "how long did things take to start gaining momentum in terms of sales and can you see what this was linked to?"
Mentioned:
Find your Joy FREE mini course runs Aug 2nd - 10th and you can sign up HERE
Submit a question at bit.ly/artjuicepodcast
Follow us on Instagram:
@alicesheridanstudio @louisefletcher_art
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This one is a biggie... What does it mean to find our voice as an artist? How do we discover what we want to create? Especially as that may change over time.
After a week of admin Louise believes the answer lies in following what you love. To do that you need to learn to play, which is something many people struggle with.
Alice wonders what happens when you enjoy the process, but not the end result? She believes you may need to let go of some ‘rules’ so that you can discover your own questions; questions that will guide your art as you develop your process.
If this is something you would like to explore, then join Louise for her "Find your Joy" FREE mini course which kicks off on 2nd August
We also discuss a listener question about what size paintings work best for galleries.... can you guess what we have to say about that?!
Mentioned:
Find your Joy FREE mini course runs Aug 2nd - 10th and you can sign up HERE
Buy us a coffee
Submit a question at bit.ly/artjuicepodcast
Follow us on Instagram:
@alicesheridanstudio
@louisefletcher_art
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week’s main topic was inspired by a listener who wrote: “I was hoping you could talk about colour mixing/ opposed to buying already mixed colours. I'm wanting to invest in new paint, I’d just like to hear your opinion on different paints & colour mixing etc.”
This question led us into a discussion of colour and the way we use it in our work. For both of us, it is quite an important focus, but our preferred palettes are quite different. We discuss the emotional resonance of certain colours; the power of surprising ourselves; the freedom that can come (paradoxically) with a limited palette; and mixing colours versus using them straight from the tube. We also discuss the relativity of colour, and Alice shares her approach of choosing one hero colour for each painting.
In the end, colour is an incredibly personal thing, and each artist approaches it in a different way. Some artists study colour theory, some spend hours mixing in a sketchbook, and some choose colours totally intuitively. And this is perhaps the most important point to come out of our discussion - we both believe that your use of colour should be guided not be rules or by what you think other artists would do, but by your own preferences and your goals for your work.
Mentioned
True Colors sign-up (featuring Alice's lessons)
Joseph Albers - Interaction of Colour
Submit a question at bit.ly/artjuicepodcast
Follow us on Instagram:
@alicesheridanstudio
@louisefletcher_art
See fuller show notes on our websites:
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
As artists we have unprecedented opportunities to market ourselves and our work. We no longer have to rely on galleries or agents - the internet allows us to connect directly with potential buyers. Sharing our creative process is a highly effective way to do this, and video can be a wonderful way to satisfy people’s interest.
This week, we discuss different ways to get started with video, including how to create a video without appearing in it, how you can use Facebook “lives,” and why Instagram stories might be a good way to get started.
We also acknowledge the vulnerability that comes with sharing our creative practice and get the giggles about some of the not-so-nice comments we have received. But we both agree that the benefits far outweigh the (extremely rare) mean remarks. If we want people to see our art, we have to let them see us.
This week’s inspirations are all about taking time out for ourselves, and we answer a listener question about how to look at Instagram without becoming demoralised.
Finally, we say a huge thank you to everyone who donated by buying us a coffee - your contributions are greatly appreciated.
Mentioned
Louise’s videos on Facebook
Curable app
Lisa Bean video course
Alice blooper reel
Links
Submit a question at bit.ly/artjuicepodcast
Follow us on Instagram:
@alicesheridanstudio
@louisefletcher_art
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
How do you do it? Open studios events vary widely across the UK and around the world. In this episode, we share our very different experiences, contrasting an event that spans over 3,000 square miles with one that covers an area of just 3 square miles. We discuss the things we got right, the lessons we learned, and what we’d like to change going forward.
We also dive into our sales and wonder how many of them were due to event publicity versus our own following online or past collectors. Despite the fact that our two events varied in almost every way, we agree that the experience was an extremely positive one - not only from the perspective of sales, but also because the events allowed us to meet people we have previously only known online, and to have lovely, encouraging conversations about our work. If there is an event in your area, we both agree it’s worth getting involved.
A few thoughts and ideas:
This week, we also introduce our new Ko-fi.com page. This is an easy and inexpensive way to help support the podcast. We hope to offer more than just our weekly chat, but the demands of the podcast are making that challenging. Your support would enable us to hire some help. If you’d like to help out with a one-time or a monthly donation, you can "buy us a coffee" us at Ko-fi.com/artjuice
In this packed episode we also discuss the surprise of finding you enjoy something you didn't want to do, and the importance of facing challenges - even if we would really rather have a duvet day.
Mentioned:
Find out more about Alice's upcoming class: https://alicesheridan.com/artists/
Contribute atKo-fi.com/artjuice
Listen to the "Own It' podcast at https://ownitthepodcast.com/232-getting-out-of-your-own-way-louise-fletcher/
Follow us on Instagram:
@alicesheridanstudio
@louisefletcher_art
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Many artists carry around ideas and beliefs that don’t serve us, and which actually often don’t even feel like beliefs. Instead, they feel like established facts. It’s only when we recognise the problem, that we can start to challenge the thoughts that are preventing our next move - and replace them with something more effective.
We discuss some of the more common limiting beliefs held by artists - things like “there are too many artists,” “I’ll never be good enough,” “there’s no money in art,” or “the place I live is no good for selling art.” We also share some of our own limiting beliefs and discuss the strategies we have used to overcome them, including EFT, hypnosis, talking with friends, and learning new ways to approach our thoughts.
Alice points out that a belief is just a thought that you keep thinking and suggests a step-by-step approach to shift through any unhelpful belief.
1. Identify a belief that is keeping you stuck or small. Observe it gently, become aware of it and how it is keeping you held back. Thank it for the opportunity to bust it open.
2. Acknowledge the truth within your belief and then ask yourself: "Is this belief ultimately true for me?" Gather all the evidence to prove why it doesn't have to be true (like pouring water on a fire).
3. Write a new story and adopt this as your new, more supportive belief.
4. Use affirmations to reinforce the story (although Alice points out that you need to believe them!)
Even if you replace all your current limiting beliefs, new ones may arise to take their place, but we both feel that having a process to deal with them is the key to ongoing success.
We also answer a listener question about whether it's appropriate to announce sales with social media posts or red dots. We both agree on this one - communicating our success is a key part of presenting ourselves effectively to the outside world and there is nothing to be ashamed or feel icky about. But we also agree that humility is important to balance the success stories …. There’s nothing more annoying that someone who presents a relentlessly perfect image!
Finally, we've both been inspired by meeting people . A visit from a Canadian artist friend got Alice's creative juices flowing, and Louise was energised by meeting blog readers and podcast listeners in person.
Mentioned
Follow us on Instagram
@alicesheridanstudio
@louisefletcher_art
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Our main topic was inspired by a question from a listener, who asked ‘why on earth would you use oil pastel with acrylics!” He went on to say “Surely this will lead to problems later in the longevity of the paintings? Oil and water just do not mix after all!” This question launches a wide-ranging discussion into the way we use materials and the risks we are willing to take. We also ask whether materials experimentation should be reserved for certain times, or is it OK to experiment mid-painting. We share some of the mistakes we’ve made with various media, and we debunk some common concerns.
At the root of it all, we agree that oil and water don't mix - and we think that's the fun of using them together! We both believe that risk-taking has been a key factor in our artistic development and we share a belief that you can’t know in advance which media or technique will be a catalyst for new adventures - the chance element is surely part of the journey?
But we also make no claim to technical expertise and cannot promise that our paintings will last hundreds of years. In the end, we feel the trade-off between utmost creativity and guaranteed longevity is worth it - you may not agree and that is totally fine. We all make these decisions for ourselves.
Other topics include "a-ha" moments with technology, coping with busy open events as an introvert, and venturing into outsourcing.
Mentioned:
Artists at Home Open Studios in West London 14-16th June
Find all the details here
See fuller show notes on our websites:
Do you ever feel like a boiling frog? So busy that you don't notice that "enjoyably in demand" has turned into "totally overwhelmed and frazzled?" As artists, it's often a challenge to ask for help - partly because some of our work HAS to be done by us, and partly because we can't accept that anyone could do things as well as we do!
If you feel like you don't have enough time to get everything done, you're not alone. We ask if systems and tools can help you plan your time, how being honest with your choices makes all the difference, and when it is really time to delegate tasks. (And if it IS time, how on earth do you decide which ones and who to trust?!) We also discuss overwhelm in the context of preparing for exhibitions - we have some ideas of how to display unfinished work and wonder if perhaps someone will fall in love with the raw unfinished state of a work in progress. (and then what do you do?)
So many questions! And even if we don't have all the answers, we're happy to share how we each manage hectic schedules and packed 'to do' lists.
Mentioned:
Louise showing at North Yorkshire Open Studios final weekend 8th & 9th June
Louise is enjoying using some lustrous paint from Art2Life Alice has been to the Central St Martins degree show with mixed feelings, but struck by large scale paintings by Troy Rosewell
Follow us on Instagram
@alicesheridanstudio
@louisefletcher_art
See fuller show notes on our websites:
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we discuss why so many artists are driven to continually change … is this the natural state of all artists? Or do we vary in this? We consider the benefits of settling into a subject matter and a way of working (there are benefits that include easier branding and consistent audience growth) but ultimately we accept that it's a matter of personality type and that neither of us is able to stay in one place with our work for too long. There are of course, pluses and minuses to this … and we explore some of them in a wide-ranging conversation that covers studio size, ways of working, Ted Hughes, running, and even Eastenders! This one is sure to get you thinking...
Mentioned:
Follow us on Instagram
@alicesheridanstudio
@louisefletcher_art
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Open Studio season is coming up... whether you are an old hand or this is your first year showing in this way we have some ideas for promotion and things to do in advance, during and after so that you make the best of your Open House events this year.
We are also discussing inspiration boards and reminders of what makes us tick in our work - whether that's recognition of a slowly developing series, and what happens when you try to make a painting because you feel you "should".
For full listings of ideas for Open Studio please check through to our full podcast notes at:
https://alicesheridan.com/artjuice18
OR
https://www.louisefletcherart.com/open-studios/
Mentioned:
CyTwombly at Bastian (until 15th June 2019)
https://www.galleriesnow.net/shows/cy-twombly-natural-history/
Gerhard Richter at Gagosian “Overpainted Photographs” (until 8th June 2019)
https://gagosian.com/exhibitions/2019/gerhard-richter-overpainted-photographs/
How to make a mood board
https://alicesheridan.com/how-to-create-a-mood-board-for-your-art/
Follow us on Instagram
@alicesheridanstudio
@louisefletcher_art
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This wide-ranging discussion was sparked by recent projects. These new challenges have required us to stretch ourselves - to learn new technologies, to develop new skills and to get comfortable with promotion. We discuss the blocks to developing the required skills - including fear of failure and worrying about negative reactions - and offer our own perspectives along with concrete tips and solutions. We also explore the difference between working on promotion for someone else, and versus doing it for ourselves, and discuss procrastination - when is it simply our need to slow down and move step by step?
In addition, we share our perspectives on approaching galleries. Should you really be nervous about this, or can you re-frame the issue and think about new galleries as potential business partners?
Ways to let people know about what you have to offer!
Instagram: bio text, link page, post, post shared to your story, story talking, story as a fixed image
Facebook: as well as within posts in multiple ways, you can create an event, share to a relevant group, update your FB Page header
Website: add a section to your home page and then link with more details to a blog post, or a new page, add that to your Menu so people can find it easily. Give people the information or links they need.
Emails:
Send an email to your list (more than once!)
Add a link within your personal email footer
Mentioned
Station Eleven by Emily John Mandel
Stand Out Online by Natasha Courtenay-Smith
The White Hotel by D.M. Thomas
Follow us on Instagram
@alicesheridanstudio
@louisefletcher_art
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Did you know that who you surround yourself with makes a huge difference to your life?
Does your family have a creative background? Is your creative streak viewed with suspicion or disbelief. It can be hard to make art if this is what surrounds us so we review our personal histories and how we've made changes to the things which influence our beliefs.
The quote “You’re the average of the five people spend the most time with,” is most often attributed to motivational speaker Jim Rohn, but science backs him up.
What this means is that if your friends are obese, you are much more likely to also be obese. If your friends drink too much, chances are you will too. But how does this impact our art-making? We discuss the importance of having supportive people in our lives and we share some of the ways we have done this for ourselves. We also share our thoughts on minimizing the psychological impact of negative comments as these can derail us if we are not careful. In the end, it comes down to choosing who or what will influence our mindset and making conscious moves to ensure we stay in a good place.
We also talk studio clear-outs and what we have learned about launching a course online (even though it's not our course!)
Mentioned
Submit a question at bit.ly/artjuicepodcast
Find show notes on
www.louisefletcherart.com/podcast
Follow us on Instagram
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week we dive into the topic of selling - why it doesn’t need to be intimidating and why - above all - we must develop our own unique approach - one that leverages OUR unique strengths and matches the interests of OUR target audience.
In the end, selling is like art-making - the more unique and personal our approach, the more successful we will be. Real world examples include a door-to-door art salesman, an enterprising London painter, and Alice’s window cleaner!
We also discuss how to ignite the creative spark and the power of simply not caring what other people think.
Submit a question at bit.ly/artjuicepodcast
Find show notes on
www.louisefletcherart.com/podcast
Follow us on Instagram
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we’re considering event and exhibition submissions and asking what criteria should we use to decide if something is right for us. We consider both the financial and reputational benefits of events, identifying areas to consider including costs, location, audience match etc.
But we also go deeper. This topic unearthed a rare difference of opinion as a result of two different perspectives. In the end, we both agree that submission decisions shouldn’t be made in a vacuum - but rather as an element of your wider strategy.
We also discuss fear of sharing work-in-progress, the simple joys of returning to art after some time away, and the power of self-belief in determining the level of our success.
Mentioned
You can sign up for the free Art2Life workshop at:
louisefletcherart.com/art2life
Listings of open exhibitions and events:
https://www.mallgalleries.org.uk/call-for-entries
https://www.artquest.org.uk/opportunities/
https://www.artrabbit.com/artist-opportunities
https://www.artshub.co.uk/callouts/list/-/call-for-artists/
https://www.a-n.co.uk/tag/open-call/
Submit a question at bit.ly/artjuicepodcast
Find show notes on
www.louisefletcherart.com/podcast
Follow us on Instagram
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Does art need a gimmick to succeed? If art has a quickly recognisable ‘hook’ does that make it easier to sell?
This week Alice has been learning the value of taking detours - Louise is in flow with her work and both have been working together to share a free art workshop with Nicholas Wilton which will show you the three most powerful principles you can use to transform your art. Sound good? You can find out more here:
louisefletcherart.com/art2life
We explore the difference between artists who have settled on a process and/or subject matter that works for them, and those who are continually searching. Perhaps there isn’t as much of a difference as we are assuming. Our discussion ranges from pop art to cubism and from Damian Hirst to a colour-blind Yorkshire farmer. Perhaps it's not that art needs a gimmick to succeed - but that it needs a story, so that others can relate to it.
We also answer a question from a listener, who asks "How much do you concern yourself with contemporary, 'critically relevant' art? How do you navigate the call to innovate versus just following your own pleasure and intuition?"
Mentioned
Submit a question at bit.ly/artjuicepodcast
Find shownotes on
www.louisefletcherart.com/podcast
Follow us on Instagram
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
A question from a listener leads us into a wide-ranging discussion about the artist life. Many feel a frustration about limited time to spend on their work and don't feel it counts alongside another career, but a recent study by The Arts council found that 68% of artists support themselves with other jobs.
What is it really like to work as an artist? What is the fantasy and how does it stack up to reality?
Do we risk losing the joy when we turn a hobby into a career? We cover all this and more as we discuss our own journeys from hobbyist to professional. We talk about how we strike the balance between business and art, how we keep the joy in our professional lives, and how to get comfortable calling yourself an artist.
We also discuss two exhibitions in London and how they offered inspiration in different ways (and some of the same) ways.
Mentioned:
https://whitecube.com/exhibitions/exhibition/tracey_emin_bermondsey_2019
https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-britain/exhibition/ey-exhibition-van-gogh-and-britain
https://www.artworkarchive.com/
Read the Arts council report here
Find full show notes at:
Join our Facebook groups:
Art Explorers with Alice Sheridan
This Painting Life with Louise Fletcher
Follow us on Instagram
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week we’re discussing investments - not stocks and bonds, but the kind of investments you make (or don’t make) in yourself and your art practice. We consider the role that self-worth plays in our investment decisions, we discuss how we decide about spending money, and we ask whether it’s possible to make significant leaps forward if we are not willing to invest in ourselves, whether we are talking about time, energy, or money.
We also answer a question about gallery relations, discuss working on commissions, and bravely soldier on through a fit of the giggles.
Find full show notes with images at:
Join our Facebook groups:
Art Explorers with Alice Sheridan
This Painting Life with Louise Fletcher
Follow us on Instagram
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
There is great merit in sticking with something long enough that you actually benefit from your own mistakes. But we hope to make things a bit easier by sharing some of the mistakes we've made - from email marketing, understanding how to talk about yourself and your work and simply not knowing how to sell paintings because they are so mysteriously different.
We have a great listener question: “When do you decide when a painting is finished? So often, I like what I see, but want to push forward for something even more dynamic. I am nervous that I will mess it up (and I have!). But...always afraid I am not reaching my full potential in a particular painting if I give up too early. Help!” We have some time based suggestions - and also the two types of fear you may be having around finishing a work.
Finally, we are inspired by different reactions to art in completely different contexts and scale. And Riley has a reaction to the postman ;-)
Find full show notes with images at:
Mentioned:
Join our Facebook groups:
Art Explorers with Alice Sheridan
This Painting Life with Louise Fletcher
Follow us on Instagram
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Framing can be a challenge for us all. It’s expensive and there are so many options. If you paint on board or canvas, is it necessary? If you do decide to add a frame, what style works best? Today we’re going to delve into this topic, discuss our own approaches, and share some inside tips. We consider buying pre-made frames, having frames made online, and working with a professional framer. The discussion also covers cost and profit concerns and how to balance those with the desire to present your work most effectively.
We also talk titles after a listener asks: “How much importance do you attach to finding a good title for each painting and which comes first - the title (theme?) or the painting?” We discuss the importance of titles to our work and how we each approach them.
Finally, the decision to purchase a small painting leads Louise to re-visit her attitude to selling and Alice is feeling grateful to the people who help us with our art.
Find full show notes with images at:
Join our Facebook groups:
Art Explorers with Alice Sheridan
This Painting Life with Louise Fletcher
Follow us on Instagram
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This is really a juicy one. What happens when your work culminates in a show - but you’re still feeling dissatisfied? There is no doubt that making art is an emotional journey. Showing or selling it can feel even more raw - but it depends on your attitude. Hashtags and starlings all have a helping hand this week.
Louise is managing all the elements needed to hang a show and Alice wonders if getting work online at the same time as hanging a show an almost impossible feat. Even when you are doing all the work yourself there is a huge advantage in curating and arranging your own work in terms of reviewing your progress.
Alice has had to pivot her hanging plans for an upcoming art fair due to a change in circumstances beyond her control. But this led to some new energy into other paintings including using her hands. How do you feel about using tools in your work?
Are you an artist with attitude?
Without attempting to be psychologists (!) we share how we’ve learned to adjust how we react to certain situations or change our thoughts. For both of us this has led to lovely changes in our art and life. But it’s not always easy, and is certainly an ongoing practice. How do you respond when life throws you a curve ball?
Noticing and connecting with your emotions is part of being human and can be hard to manage, especially at art fairs. We talk about keeping your energy up in the face of bad sales or an overheard comment.
Oh, and then it all veers into magic and law of attraction ;-)
Thank you to Jennifer who asked “What’s the best way to find people looking to BUY art? (on social media)”. We have a few ideas but perhaps the main response will surprise you.
After she just bought a new painting which has transformed her bedroom, Alice is buoyed by how much impact art can have in a home - and seeing the result of her recent collaboration with Zoffany designers.
Mentioned:
Interior inspiration: Alice’s work and the Zoffany fancy photos
See a sneak preview of Louise’s exhibition here
See Louise's starlings here. (photo courtesy of Helen Peyton)
Find full show notes with images at:
Join our Facebook groups:
Art Explorers with Alice Sheridan
This Painting Life with Louise Fletcher
Follow us on Instagram
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
We all struggle with time. Some of us have young children, or elderly parents or a full-time job, and even those who work full time as artists also have the pressures of marketing, gallery relations, art fairs etc. We discuss the challenges we face in terms of managing time on a day-to-day basis, and also consider the larger question of how much time we have left in our lives. If we knew we only had one year to live, what kind of work would we make?
We also answer a question from Tracey who asks about when to move from playing to producing a series or a body of work (and coins the memorable hashtag "#fearofmakinganactualpainting!”)
Mentioned:
Join our Facebook groups:
Art Explorers with Alice Sheridan
This Painting Life with Louise Fletcher
Find us at:
Follow us on Instagram
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
We can all recognise this sorry state of affairs, and it’s not fun! We discuss the difference between procrastinating, being temporarily frozen, or being truly blocked. Is a real block caused by a disconnect between what you ‘want’ and what you are actually doing? Is it a result of losing your connection with your deeper self? While a pause is OK - and sometimes needed and necessary - we come up with some questions to ask yourself. And potentially two different ways you get get inspired again by leaning in and investigating.
We also answer a listener who is struggling with multiple styles and discuss how a teenage concert reminded Alice of the importance of finding your own creative path.
LINKS
Mentioned:
Louise’s 365-day self portrait project
Join our Facebook groups:
Art Explorers with Alice Sheridan
This Painting Life with Louise Fletcher
Find us at:
Follow us on Instagram
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week we tackle a topic faced by artists the world over ... how do you deal with older work when your style has moved on? What do you do with that pile of old canvases or sheets of paper that no longer feel like you? Is it a waste to throw them out? Is it OK to show them with your newer work? Or can you find a way to offload them so that someone else can enjoy them?
We also wrestle with the best (and worst) ways to ask for feedback on your work, discuss how to prepare yourself mentally before you do, and share the things that have inspired us this week.
Links
Mentioned:
Join our Facebook groups:
Art Explorers with Alice Sheridan
This Painting Life with Louise Fletcher
Find us at:
Follow us on Instagram
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week finds us at different ends of the process. Louise has just finished several paintings in her latest series while Alice is preparing to begin new work.
As she prepares to start, we talk about the importance of making a leap into the unknown - in art and in life. The impressionist Edgar Degas is quoted as saying “only when he no longer knows what he is doing, does the painter do good things.” This week the conversation centres on the extent to which this is true. How important is it to push your work into new territory? Is risk-taking an essential element of being an artist? And if art mirrors life, do we need to find ways to bring risk into our daily lives?
We also answer a question from a listener, who asked "how long does it take to become an artist?" We discuss what it means to be an artist, and whether becoming one is a matter of fact or a matter of mindset.
LINKS >>
Join the Facebook groups:
Art Explorers with Alice Sheridan
This Painting Life with Louise Fletcher
Find shownotes on:
www.louisefletcherart.com/podcast
Follow us on Instagram
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
What’s Your Studio Space Like?
Some artists work in giant, light-filled spaces, others make room on the dining room table. But whatever the size, your studio set-up is a crucial aspect of your work. We discuss how to make the most of your space, why it’s important to keep making changes, and practical tips on flooring and lighting solutions.
We also answer this listener question: How can I stay motivated when I don't have a deadline? Alice loves to work to a deadline, whereas Louise much prefers the space to play and experiment. Both share their perspectives on this common problem.
Also discussed, Marie Kondo-ing your studio and the pros and cons of doing your own advertising.
LINKS:
Join the Facebook groups:
Art Explorers with Alice Sheridan
This Painting Life with Louise Fletcher
Find shownotes on:
www.louisefletcherart.com/podcast
Follow us on Instagram
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Have you ever felt selfish about your art making practice? Do you worry that it’s taking up time you should be spending on other things?
We discuss whether this is a problem unique to women, we share our own personal experiences, and we wonder if our attitude to this question only changes when we begin to understand the positive effect our art-making has on others. The knock-on effects can be far larger than we anticipate at the start. So, maybe a better question would be “how can I be more selfish?”
In this episode, we also discuss a key issue for artists - the role of fear in holding us back and ask: if fear wasn't a factor, what would you make? For Alice it’s easier to ease in to a new idea in small steps whereas Louise has learnt the hard way that jumping in feet first can get you more than you bargained for.
LINKS >>
Join the Facebook groups:
Art Explorers with Alice Sheridan
This Painting Life with Louise Fletcher
Find shownotes on:
www.louisefletcherart.com/podcast
Follow us on Instagram
Credits
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Welcome to a new podcast for creatives with behind the scenes conversations about making art and the creative life with Alice Sheridan and Louise Fletcher.
This podcast will be an honest insight into what it takes to be an artist. Alice and Louise are both practicing artists figuring out how to develop their creative approach and balance the business side of a rewarding creative life. If you are an artist or aspiring creative you will find support and inspiration. If you are an art lover you will find out more about what goes in to making the art you enjoy.
Submit a question to be featured on the show at bit.ly/artjuiceQ
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